Dominick Reyes wanted to put a stamp on his crystal clear victory.
Nobody in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena believed that the result was in jeopardy as the seconds ticked down in the UFC 229 light heavyweight clash between Reyes and Ovince Saint Preux.
Reyes dominated Saint Preux, who once went five rounds with Jon Jones for the interim 205lbs title, from the opening bell to solidify his status as a legitimate contender.
Reyes can look forward to a significant rankings boost next week after putting on a clinic against OSP on the undercard of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor.
The ending of the fight was a curious one, however.
While many fighters would have comfortably coasted to the scorecards, content to keep a perfect professional record intact, Reyes wanted the finish.
A precise left hand from Reyes folded Saint Preux up and that’s when the confusion started.
Reyes walked away as though he’d earned his seventh consecutive finish just as the fight-ending buzzer sounded but referee Dan Miragliotta did not wave the bout off.
FLASH KO RIGHT. ON. THE. BELL! 💥
Dominick Reyes lands a huge left hand as time expires! It's officially a decision win…
Insane! #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/Q5DG3QfXDm
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 7, 2018
Instead, the official told Saint Preux that he had to return to his feet or accept the knockout loss.
OSP slowly climbed off the mat and made it back to his stool but the result was never in doubt and Bruce Buffer announced Reyes as the victor by a scoreline of 30-27 in all judges’ estimation.
“That’s a knockout!” Reyes said when asked by Joe Rogan for his opinion on the final moments of the fight.
“It wasn’t easy. All respect to Ovince, he’s a hell of a competitor but I prepared hard and worked my ass off.
“I know where I sit and I knew I was going to get the win tonight.”
