EXCLUSIVE | Dominick Reyes eyeing UFC 228 showdown with Ovince Saint Preux

Rising UFC light heavyweight contender Dominick Reyes, who currently holds the number-11 spot in the divisional rankings, is hoping for a UFC 228 showdown with former interim title challenger Ovince Saint Preux.

Reyes made his first mention of a bout with Saint Preux on Twitter, shortly after Saint Preux delivered a rousing submission defeat of Tyson Pedro at UFC Singapore.

I Accept your Challenge. #UFC228 @003_OSP @ufc @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite

— Dominick Reyes (@DomReyes) June 24, 2018

“I accept your challenge,” Reyes said in response to a Tweet from the UFC Twitter account, which mentioned Saint Preux’s next fight.

Shortly thereafter, Reyes followed up with BJPenn.com, explaining why he’s targeting a bout with Saint Preux.

“All the respect to OSP, but when you are ranked above me and say it doesn’t matter who you fight, well I see that as a call-out, so let’s do this,” he said. “UFC 228”

While Reyes understands that Saint Preux would probably be the toughest test of his career thus far, it’s a test he’s confident he can pass.

“OSP is a tough veteran and he would be by far my biggest test,” Reyes said. “That being said I’m younger and faster, I would fight a smart fight. I don’t know how are when, but I would win.”

With his UFC Singapore defeat of Tyson Pedro, Ovince Saint Preux rebounded from a submission loss to Ilir Latifi. He’s now 23-11 overall.

Dominick Reyes, meanwhile, last fought in May, when he delivered a first-round TKO of the dangerous Jared Cannonier. He’s currently a perfect 9-0 overall, and an impressive 3-0 in the UFC’s perilous Octagon.

UFC 228 goes down on September 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the time of this writing, no bouts have been made official for the card.

Does a UFC 228 fight between Dominick Reyes and Ovince Saint Preux interest you? Who do you think would come out on top? Join the conversation in the comments section below.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 6/23/2018.