Dominick Reyes will go all-out when he tussles with Jon Jones in a light heavyweight title fight next month.
The American challenger earned a crack at a UFC gold after winning five straight fights since his promotional debut in 2017.
Most recently, he took home the Performance of the Night honor at UFC Boston, following an emphatic first round knockout of Chris Weidman in the event’s headliner.
‘The Devastator’ also holds notable wins against Jared Cannonier, Ovince Saint Preux, and Volkan Oezdemir.
On February 8, he is set to take the biggest test of his career in Houston, Texas as he attempts to give Jones his first loss since returning to the cage last December 2018.
Despite being the underdog, the streaking 205-pounder said he will do everything in his power to defeat the MMA great.
Another Challenge
Ahead of the light heavyweight title fight, Reyes admitted that Jones’ eye pokes are a thing of concern for him.
In fact, he is planning to warn the referee at UFC 247 if the accidental fouls are committed.
“It’s something where it is what it is. Not much I can do about it except give the referee an advanced “hey man, please look out for this, he’s notorious for this,” Reyes said in a recent interview with MMA Fighting.
“It’s going to be hard for me to get in. I’m not going to run my face directly into fingers.”
“It is what it is. It’s just another challenge that he presents.”
“I think more than just the fingers being outstretched is that he stays busy with that lead hand.”
“I think that’s what keeps guys at bay, he paws with it and he paws exactly at his range. That’s been a gigantic weapon of his.”
“It sets up the rest of his arsenal. It helps him find his range.”
Whatever It Takes
Jones has previously admitted eye pokes are “very illegal but I do it” and Reyes said he would do whatever it takes to prevent the defending champion in committing such foul.
“It’s a blatant rule break. You can’t do it. It’s in the rules.”
“It’s been talked about many times. Either you’re going to do it or you’re not going to do it. It’s up to me on fight night to talk to the ref and make him aware.”
“This is a championship fight. I’ll win however the hell I can.”
“You’ve seen “The Waterboy.” It’s the championship game, you can’t hold anything back. There’s no holding back. I’ll take it however I can get it.”
“Listen the rule is we’re taking a point away, that’s the rule.”
“If he’s going poke me in the eyes, now I’m compromised, that gives him a huge advantage. If I can’t see, if half my vision’s gone, that’s point worthy.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Dominick Reyes and Jon Jones)