Dominick Reyes TKOd Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 333
Dominick Reyes, the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, made an emphatic return to form on October 24, 2026, securing a first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 333. The decisive finish, delivered via a brutal head kick and follow-up punches, unfolded live on Paramount+ from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This win marks a significant turning point for Reyes, who has battled through a challenging period in his career marked by several losses. He demonstrated the vintage power and precision that once propelled him to the cusp of a UFC championship, putting the light heavyweight division on notice.
Dominick Reyes TKO UFC 333 comeback
Reyes, known as “The Devastator,” executed a masterful game plan against Murzakanov, a veteran finisher who entered the bout with a 16-1 professional record. The American fighter utilized his significant size and reach advantage effectively from the opening bell.
He began by dictating the pace with damaging leg kicks, preventing Murzakanov from closing the distance and negating his technical striking. The back-and-forth initial exchange soon gave way to Reyes’ offensive surge, creating the opening he needed.
Midway through the first round, Reyes shifted his attack levels, unleashing a sudden head kick that connected flush with Murzakanov. Though Reyes momentarily slipped after the strike, he quickly regained his footing, pursuing his staggered opponent and landing a devastating straight left hand.
Murzakanov collapsed to the canvas, prompting Reyes to follow up with a flurry of ground and pound. The referee intervened at 2:40 of the first round, stopping the contest and awarding Reyes the TKO victory, improving his record to 17-5.
A Resurgent Path: Reyes’ Journey Back to the Top
This dominant performance contrasts with Dominick Reyes’ recent challenging period, which included a four-fight losing streak after his controversial title challenge against Jon Jones in February 2020. After securing wins against Dustin Jacoby, Anthony Smith, and Nikita Krylov, Reyes suffered a loss to Carlos Ulberg in September 2025.
He then earned a decision victory over Johnny Walker in April 2026, making this TKO against Murzakanov his second consecutive win. This trajectory showcases his determination to re-establish himself as a top contender in the light heavyweight division.
Azamat Murzakanov, conversely, faced his second consecutive professional defeat with this TKO. He had previously suffered his first career loss to Paulo Costa via head-kick TKO at UFC 327 in April 2026, impacting his position within the light heavyweight rankings.
The fight was also notable given Murzakanov was favored by oddsmakers at -225, with Reyes as the underdog at +185. This upset victory underscores Reyes’ potential to once again challenge the division’s elite, reflecting the continuous pursuit of apex positions seen across all of combat sports.
Implications for the Light Heavyweight Landscape
Dominick Reyes’ win at UFC 333 sends a clear message throughout the light heavyweight division: “The Devastator” is back. This decisive victory over a ranked opponent like Azamat Murzakanov will undoubtedly propel Reyes up the divisional ladder.
For Reyes, who was ranked eighth heading into the fight, a potential jump into the top five seems plausible, re-igniting talk of another title shot. His ability to finish a dangerous opponent in the first round demonstrates that his power and technique remain a formidable force.
Murzakanov, once undefeated and riding high, now faces a period of recalibration after two swift losses. Maintaining his position within the top 10 will be challenging, and he’ll need to strategize carefully for his next appearance to avoid further decline.
The light heavyweight division continues to be one of the most exciting in the UFC, with new contenders constantly emerging and veterans reasserting themselves. Reyes’ performance is a reminder that past struggles don’t always define a fighter’s future trajectory.
UFC 333 Delivers High-Stakes Action
The Reyes-Murzakanov clash was part of a stacked UFC 333 card that delivered several memorable moments from the Etihad Arena. The event, headlined by the UFC Featherweight Championship bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev, showcased a night of intense competition.
Fans also witnessed the UFC Bantamweight Championship trilogy bout featuring Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, adding another high-stakes encounter to the main card. These championship contests highlight the prestige and competitive depth of the UFC’s numbered events.
Beyond the main attractions, the preliminary card, broadcast on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass, featured several other standout performances. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev delivered a knee knockout against Nikita Krylov, and Abus Magomedov secured an early guillotine choke against Cam Rowston.
These varied finishes across the card underscore the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, where strategic decisions and individual performances can dramatically shift outcomes, much like roster adjustments shape teams in other major competitions, such as the World Series roster updates.
Next Steps: Reyes Eyes Top Contenders
Following his impressive TKO win, Dominick Reyes wasted no time in identifying his next targets. He publicly called out two prominent light heavyweights, Paulo Costa and Khalil Rountree Jr., expressing his desire for a high-profile matchup.
“I like No. 3 or No. 4. You know that’s Paulo and Khalil. Let’s get some action out here,” Reyes stated, indicating his ambition to face opponents directly ahead of him in the rankings. This move signals his readiness for immediate challenges within the division.
Such matchups would serve as crucial tests for Reyes, determining if he can sustain this resurgence and truly challenge for the title once more. The light heavyweight landscape is competitive, and securing fights against top-ranked contenders is essential for his trajectory.
The UFC will undoubtedly weigh Reyes’ dominant performance against his past record when considering his next opponent. His renewed confidence and finishing ability make him an exciting prospect for upcoming cards, potentially setting him up for another major challenge, similar to teams aiming for a commanding series lead in critical international competitions.
Fans will eagerly anticipate the UFC’s announcement regarding Reyes’ next fight, hoping to see “The Devastator” continue his climb back towards championship contention.