Javier Reyes was a well-travelled featherweight prospect, really a regional veteran, when he arrived on Dana White’s Contender Series last year.
And so, after winning a UFC contract on the show, it was no surprise to see him paired up with a tough out in Douglas Silva de Andrade for Reyes’ promotional debut at UFC Mexico City on Saturday.
Both men entered the bout with over 25 pro fights to their name.
The fight opened cautiously before exploding when Andrade detonated a massive right hand that dropped Reyes to his knees. Reyes fired back with a left, but another big overhand from Andrade crashed through as Reyes momentarily froze in front of him. When Reyes finally reset, he answered with a sharp right hand of his own, flooring Andrade and immediately swarming for the finish.
Reyes poured on heavy ground-and-pound as Andrade desperately worked back to his feet. Reyes dragged him down with a mat return and briefly threatened the rear-naked choke while Andrade waved his finger in defiance. Staying relentless, Reyes took the back, flattened him out, and unleashed punches to the side of the head. Though Andrade gestured toward referee Herb Dean, he wasn’t intelligently defending, and with seconds left on the clock, the fight was waved off.
Official Result: Javier Reyes def. Douglas Silva da Andrade by TKO (ground and pound), Round 1, 4:59
