Dominick Reyes is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, currently holding the #12 spot. The man known to have taken Jon Jones to the brink of mortality, Reyes has amassed an impressive 13 wins in his career, driven by his unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep respect for his roots.

Born on December 26, 1989, in Hesperia, California, ‘The Devastator’ grew up in a supportive and loving family that nurtured his passion for sports, crediting his father for his MMA success. Carrying the rich heritage of two nations—one that grounds him and one that gives flight to his dreams—Reyes represents a blend of pride and ambition. So, let’s look closer at Reyes’ ethnicity and nationality.

What is Dominick Reyes’ ethnicity and nationality?

Dominick Reyes, a proud Mexican-American, grew up in California with a deep passion for sports. From a young age, he 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 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.

Reyes 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. In a 2018 interview with The Schmo, he expressed unwavering support for his fellow Mexican fighters, underscoring the pride he feels for his ethnicity and its influence on his career.

What religion does Dominick Reyes follow?

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. 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.

Now, the former title challenger is set to return at UFC 310 to face yet another 205lbs veteran, Anthony Smith, a clash that has fans buzzing with excitement. Are you excited to see this fight? Do you think ‘The Devastator’ will emerge victorious against Smith? Share your predictions in the comments below!