

Ryan Spann thwarted former title challenger Dominick Reyes‘ aspirations of getting back to winning ways at UFC 281. The light-heavyweight bout on the UFC 281 prelims was an important match for the division. 31-year-old Spann solidified his name as he made quick work of Reyes at Madison Square Garden.
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Reyes was on a three-fight skid coming into UFC281 while Spann had lost two out of his last five. The emphatic finish of the former title challenger drew a lot of reactions from the fans. UFC commentator Joe Rogan was also among those impressed with Spann’s power.
MMA world reacts to wild Ryan Spann KO at UFC 281
The bout lasted around a minute as Ryan Spann finished Dominick Reyes to extend his win streak to 2-0. Spann had missed weight coming into the fight and was on an inconsistent streak. He had lost two out of his last five bouts. However, the Fortis MMA representative did not let it affect his performance.
That was scary! #UFC281
— Jordan Ellis (@JordanEllisUK) November 13, 2022
wow, that was scary. I hope he's ok 😳 #UFC281
— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) November 13, 2022
Spann established early dominance as he rocked “The Devastator” multiple times with his jab before finding a knockout with the same.
That was a jab 😱 https://t.co/KszhzvXz1S
— Austin Swaim (@ASwaim3) November 13, 2022
Fellow light-heavyweight Aleksandar Rakic pointed out how Reyes may not be the same guy that pushed Jon Jones to the limit a few years ago.
Man, that chin ain't no more…
Sad to see!
Congratulations @Superman_Spann
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) November 13, 2022
People are never the same after fighting Jon Jones #UFC281
— Morning Kombat (@morningkombat) November 13, 2022
More fans reacted to the quick finish giving props to Spann and sympathizing with Reyes.
I FELT IT IN MY SOUL! KO in quick fashion. #UFC281 https://t.co/N7MIuI89SS
— Brandon (@BrandonTalks) November 13, 2022
Oh man! That was a ruthless KO by Ryan Spann. #UFC281
— Mike Heck (@MikeHeck_JR) November 13, 2022
What’s next for Reyes?
Reyes is now on a four-fight losing streak. It began with a decision loss in his title fight against Jon Jones. He lost a second consecutive title fight to Jan Blachowicz via a second-round knockout.
Spann via decapitation. Tough comeback for Reyes. #UFC281
— Brian Campbell (@BCampbell) November 13, 2022
Holy crap. Ryan Spann just flattened Dominick Reyes with an absolutely brutal knockout. #UFC281
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) November 13, 2022
The next bout also ended in disappointment for Reyes. Current champion Jiri Prochazka knocked him out with a spinning elbow in the second round. With his latest loss, Reyes has lost inside the first two rounds in his last four fights.
Jesus, Spann just about murdered Dom #UFC281
— Paul Gift (@MMAanalytics) November 13, 2022
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Jesus Christ! Ryan Spann just knocked Dominick Reyes out cold!!! 😧
Unbelievable power! 🔥 #UFC281
— Callum Altimas (@CallumAltimas) November 13, 2022
Things will only get tougher for Reyes, who is struggling to get his confidence back. As for Spann, he has established himself as a promising contender in the division at UFC 281. He will be one to keep our eyes on for the future.
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The light-heavyweight title will be on the line next month as Glover Teixeira gets his rematch against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 282. IF Spann can stay consistent with dominant performances like the one he just delivered, he could be a part of the title conversation in the future.
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