5 exciting up-and-comers who could break out in the UFC in 2018

#5 Dominick Reyes

Dominick Reyes is a bright up-and-comer at 205lbs

A natural born athlete – Reyes wrestled and played football at New York’s Stony Brook University, where he was a two-time All-Conference selection on the gridiron. He almost made it all the way to the NFL but failed to be drafted and so turned his hand to MMA instead. And thus far it’s been a worthy move, as he’s currently unbeaten at 8-0 and is one of the few bright spots in a relatively thin 205lbs division.

After garnering some hype on the regional scene following a flashy head kick knockout last summer, ‘The Devastator’ was signed by the UFC and immediately lived up to the lofty expectations of his supporters, knocking out Joachim Christensen in a matter of seconds. Next up was Jeremy Kimball, but the veteran was easily dispatched with a rear naked choke from Reyes in under a round.

Standing at 6’4”, Reyes is a long, lanky Light-Heavyweight and while he’s already 28 years old, when compared to the likes of Mauricio Rua, Jimi Manuwa, and Glover Teixeira – practically dinosaurs in the MMA since – he’s the new hot thing on the block. Reyes has claimed he’s ready for top competition and 2018 should be the time for him to prove it – a step up is needed for sure.