UFC On ESPN 6 Preview And Picks: Who Moves Up, Dominick Reyes Or Chris Weidman?

Dominick Reyes got the attention of many MMA fans when he scored one of the best knockouts of 2017 when he landed a devastating head kick on Jordan Powell at LFA 13. The win was the sixth of Reyes' career and his fifth stoppage. There's no doubt that Reyes' knockout captured the attention of the UFC because the promotion signed him as a late replacement for UFC Fight Night 112. That card took place three weeks after his win over Powell. Showing he is no one-trick pony, Reyes spread Joachim Christensen's nose across his face with punches 29 seconds into their fight. The knockout win earned Reyes a "Performance of the Night" bonus and put him on the fast track in the light heavyweight division.

On Friday, Reyes headlines his first UFC card when he meets former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC on ESPN 6.

Reyes followed his win over Christensen with two more stoppages. His two most recent bouts, both of which came against ex-UFC light heavyweight title challengers, ended with Reyes getting his hand raised via decision. Reyes is currently ranked No. 4 in the official UFC 205-pound rankings.

After beginning his career on a 13-0 run, Weidman entered a rough patch when he lost the185-pound title he won with a knockout of the legendary Anderson Silva to Luke Rockhold in December 2015. Since that loss, Weidman has dealt with injuries and more defeats than victories. He is currently 14-4 and coming off a knockout loss to Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in November. Weidman has never fought at light heavyweight before.

Reyes has shown excellent striking during his UFC run. He's also displayed a willingness to mix up his targets to keep his opponents guessing as to what's coming next. He also has good movement for a light heavyweight competitor.

Weidman is a very well-rounded fighter, but where he excels is in his wrestling. It won't be a surprise if he tries to get the fight to the mat early and often to see what Reyes can do off his back.

Both of these men believe a win on Friday night could launch them into a light heavyweight title fight against current champion Jon Jones. The champ has not fought since he defended his title in July with a split decision win over Thiago Santos.

Pick: Reyes

More From UFC on ESPN 6: UFC On ESPN 6 Preview And Picks: Deron Win And Darren Stewart Strike A Deal UFC On ESPN 6 Preview And Picks: Will Joe Lauzon Stop The Bleeding? UFC On ESPN 6 Preview And Picks: Who Is Getting Knocked Out, Greg Hardy Or Ben Sosoli? UFC On ESPN 6 Weigh-In Video Live Stream For Dominick Reyes Vs. Chris Weidman Fight Card How To Watch UFC On ESPN 6 Prelims How To Watch UFC On ESPN 6: Yair Rodriguez Vs. Jeremy Stephens UFC On ESPN 6 Preview And Picks: Yair Rodriguez And Jeremy Stephens Run It Back