Dominick Reyes is quite the enigma. ‘The Devastator’ has never lost to what some would describe as tin cans in the UFC, but when he did lose to — except for Jon Jones — he lost devastatingly. Three back-to-back KO losses to two former champs, Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka, and one to Ryan ‘Superman’ Spann. Still, he will always be remembered as the man who took Jon Jones to the depths of hell and back, prior to his losing streak, at UFC 247, with many, including UFC CEO Dana White, stating that Reyes had won their razor-thin bout.

Now he’s back to his winning ways, bouncing back with three KO wins over what one would describe as decent and dangerous fighters: Dustin Jacoby, former fellow title contender Anthony Smith, and the dangerous Nikity Krylov. In what could be his biggest test of this phase of his career, he’s headlining the UFC Perth card this Saturday against the dangerous Australian Carlos Ulberg. Ahead of the fight, let’s take a closer look at Dominick Reyes‘ ethnicity, cultural background, and nationality.

Dominick Reyes’ Ethnicity: Mexican-American Heritage

Born on December 26, 1989, in Hesperia, California, Dominick Reyes is a proud Mexican-American. ‘The Devastator’ grew up in a supportive and loving family that nurtured his passion for sports, often crediting his father for his MMA success.

Representing the United States while competing, the UFC light heavyweight has always taken pride in his heritage, often celebrating his Mexican roots while embracing his American upbringing. Inside the Octagon, he frequently displays both the Mexican and American flags on his shoulders, a testament to the dual identity that shapes his journey.

So, now we know — ‘The Devastator’ is a Mexican-American who hails from Herperia, California, and proudly represents his ethnicity and cultural roots. But what faith does Reyes ascribe to? In short, is Dominick Reyes religious, and if yes, what religion does he follow?

Dominick Reyes’ Religion and Personal Beliefs

Dominick Reyes has shared his love for his country, family, and religion extensively on social media. He is a devout Christian and has shared many philosophies from the Holy Bible on his social media handle as well. For instance, the former light heavyweight title contender has always been open about his journey of rebirth, redemption, and the pivotal role faith plays in his life. He once shared a series of pictures reflecting on the philosophy of renewal, underscoring his belief in second chances and personal growth. 

Dominick Reyes credits his faith in God as a source of strength and inspiration, providing him with the resilience needed to navigate the highs and lows of his MMA career. Before his fight against Dustin Jacoby, Reyes spoke candidly about his mindset and spirituality in an interview with the UFC. “I’ve come back around to just enjoying it, being grateful, and trusting in my Lord Jesus Christ,” Reyes said. “I’m not stressing so much about the outcome or the little stuff. I want to go out there, have fun again, and enjoy it. This fight’s going to be awesome. It’s going to be a war, and I’m so excited about it.”

Reyes delivered on his promise, winning the fight in thrilling fashion. He often credits his spirituality for giving him resilience through victories and setbacks. For a fighter who has experienced highs and lows at the highest level of MMA, this grounding belief system has kept him steady. With faith shaping his future, the question then becomes: how did his journey begin?

Dominick Reyes’ Early Life and Athletic Background

From a young age, Dominick Reyes excelled as an athlete, wrestling and playing American football while dreaming of one day making it to the NFL. Growing up in a poor household, Reyes faced challenges, but his parents, especially his father, Jose Reyes, encouraged him to pursue sports to stay on the right path and avoid the dangers of his environment.

After graduating from Hesperia High School, Reyes made a bold move to New York to attend Stony Brook University, where he earned a B.S. in Information Systems. His love for competition didn’t end with his college football career, as he went on to win the All-Conference honors on two occasions and even led the team as the captain.

As Dominick Reyes explained in a UFC interview, “May 2013. I was not done with athletic competition following college football at Stony Brook University,” it was during this time that Reyes transitioned into MMA, with his father playing a pivotal role in guiding and supporting his pursuit of the sport.

From Mexican-American pride to Christian beliefs and a relentless pursuit of sports, ‘The Devastator’ carries more than just fighting skills into the cage. Now, with UFC Perth on the horizon, the world waits to see if he can keep his resurgent winning streak intact against Carlos Ulberg!