Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes continued his return to form with a brilliantly-timed one-punch knockout of Nikita Krylov at UFC 314.
Former light heavyweight title challenger Reyes started steadily as Krylov pushed the pace in the early going. But Reyes used the Russian veteran’s aggression against him as he connected with a perfect left-hand counter that knocked out Krylov instantly.
It was a spectacular moment to kick off the main card, as Reyes made it three wins in a row following his four-fight losing streak from 2020 to the end of 2022.
That run began with a controversial title fight decision loss to Jon Jones that many observers felt Reyes had done enough to win. But that loss, in February 2020, sparked a nightmare run of form that threatened Reyes’ career at the top level.
Following that decision defeat to Jones, Reyes was stopped by Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka and Ryan Spann as his losing skid stretched to four fights.
After his loss to Spann, Reyes didn’t return to the Octagon for 19 months, but when he did, he bounced back with an emphatic first-round knockout of kickboxer-turned-MMA fighter Dustin Jacoby at UFC Louisville in June 2024. Reyes then made a quick turnaround to compete the following December, where he stopped former title challenger Anthony Smith with strikes in the second round at UFC 310.
That set up his bout with Krylov at UFC 314, where his stunning one-shot knockout kicked off the main card in spectacular style.
Now, with Reyes set to return to the light heavyweight top 10 after defeating eighth-ranked Krylov, Reyes is setting his sights on the top of the division again.
“I’m not back, I’m better,” he told Joe Rogan after his victory.
“One more [fight], then the title.”
UFC 314: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) – for vacant featherweight title
- Paddy Pimblett def. Michael Chandler via TKO (ground strikes) – Round 3, 3:07
- Yair Rodriguez def. Patricio Pitbull via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jean Silva def. Bryce Mitchell via submission (ninja choke) – Round 2, 3:52
- Dominick Reyes def. NIkita Krylov via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 2:24
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Dan Ige def. Sean Woodson via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:12
- Virna Jandiroba def. Yan Xiaonan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Chase Hooper def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Julian Erosa def. Darren Elkins via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:15
EARLY PRELIMS
- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Sedriques Dumas via TKO (punches and elbows) – Round 1, 2:49
- Su Mudaerji def. Mitch Raposo via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore via TKO (punch) – Round 2, 3:16
- Nora Cornolle def. Hailey Cowan via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:52
