The UFC and MMA world are no strangers to siblings competing alongside each other, whether within the same organization or otherwise. The Nogueira brothers, the Topuria siblings, and even the Nurmagomedovs – Umar and Usman – exemplify this sibling rivalry. Amid these stories, another pair of brothers has made waves in the sport: Dominick Reyes, a top contender in the light heavyweight division, and his older brother, Alex Reyes, a welterweight fighter who debuted in the UFC back in 2017.
Years later, however, their journeys have taken markedly different paths. Dominick Reyes has cemented his legacy as “The Devastator,” while Alex Reyes’ career has been tragically marked by setbacks. Let’s take a closer look at the lost years of Alex Reyes and uncover his remarkable journey and his relationship with his brother.
# Who Is Alex Reyes?
Without Alex Reyes, the world might never have witnessed Dominick Reyes’ rise to prominence. Don’t just take our word for it – Dominick Reyes himself once acknowledged that Alex Reyes’ gym, Combat Cage Academy, helped him find his way to MMA after his NFL dreams were shattered. Feeling desperate, Dominick turned to his older brother, who introduced him to the world of MMA.
Despite being older and having a decade of experience in the sport, ‘The Executioner’ actually got his shot in the UFC a few months later than Dominick. While Dominick had already made his UFC debut in the summer of 2017, Alex had to wait for his opportunity until just before UFC Fight Night in 2017, when Mike Perry’s opponent pulled out.
[Image of MMA: UFC Fight Night-Pittsburgh- Perry vs Reyes, Sep 17, 2017 Pittsburgh, PA, USA Mike Perry Red Gloves fights Alex Reyes Blue Gloves during UFC Fight Night at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports, 17.09.2017 01:12:52, 10286781, Mike Perry, UFC Fight Night, Alex Reyes, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: Don Wright 10286781]
Eager for the chance, Alex took the fight on short notice, stating, “I’m enjoying and loving every minute of this experience.” However, the bout didn’t go as Alex had expected, as Mike Perry knocked him out in the first round. Tragically, this turned out to be Alex Reyes’ last UFC fight of the decade due to severe medical negligence from doctors and medical professionals, which derailed the welterweight’s MMA career.
# Alex Reyes’ Health Challenges and Career Hiatus
Back in 2018, the 31-year-old Alex Reyes, eager to make his mark in the UFC, left no stone unturned in ensuring a remarkable run in the promotion. To address a lingering injury from his decade-long regional career, he decided to undergo stem cell treatment. However, after receiving the injection, ‘The Executioner’ experienced unusual pain. Despite informing the doctors, they dismissed it as a normal side effect, assuring him it would subside with time.
Unfortunately, the situation worsened. Recalling the ordeal, Alex Reyes once shared that he couldn’t even explain his symptoms to any physician due to the intensity of his condition. Eventually, he underwent an MRI, which revealed that he had developed a spinal infection called Osteomyelitis. Reflecting on the cause, Alex stated, “The injection I received was tainted with E. coli, among other nastiness. Even with a fighter’s level of tolerance, the pain was unbearable.”
Yet, with unwavering resilience, ‘The Executioner’ defied expectations. Fast forward six years, and he made a remarkable return to the Octagon in 2023, facing Charlie Campbell after his long absence. Although he didn’t secure a win, the Hesperia native once again tried to bounce back a year later at UFC 305 against Tom Nolan, but was still unable to find success.
At 38 years old, after years away from the sport, Alex Reyes’ journey in the UFC has stalled. However, credit goes to the UFC for standing by him, allowing him to showcase the fire that still burns within. That spirit reflects the same grit we see in Dominick, preparing once again for battle at UFC Perth.
# The Reyes Brothers’ Bond in MMA
The story of Dominick and Alex Reyes isn’t about records alone. It’s about family. Alex’s gym gave Dominick a path when his football dreams collapsed. Dominick’s UFC success, in turn, kept Alex’s name alive during years of absence. Their bond has been one of mentorship, struggle, and shared resilience.
[Instagram post featuring Dominick Reyes and Alex Reyes]
As ‘The Devastator’ heads into UFC Perth to face Carlos Ulberg, his brother’s story lingers in the background. Alex’s battles, both inside and outside the cage, serve as a reminder of the risks, the pain, and the resilience required in MMA.
Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-tragic-story-behind-dominick-reyes-brother-alex-reyes-mma-career/
