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By Robert Balajadia

Jon ‘The Heat’ Delos Reyes

Jon “The Heat” Delos Reyes has become a house hold name on Guam after flying under the MMA radar for most of his time on Guam. Delos Reyes became the second fighter from Guam to be signed to the UFC and has fought in previous Pacific Xtreme Combat and Trench Warz events before moving to Las Vegas to further his MMA career.

The 26-year-old Delos Reyes is back on Guam getting ready for his bout against Dustin Kimura in UFC Fight Night 34 on January 4th in Singapore.

“I’m back getting used to the time zone difference. It’s almost the same here on Guam as it is Singapore and I’m also getting used to the temperature,” said JDR on why he has chosen to come back to Guam to train.

Delos Reyes’ fight manager Llyod Cubacub has played a vital part in getting Jon to the UFC, along with the first ever UFC Guam fighter Jon Tuck, who has also become Delos Reyes’ training partner.

“We’ve all been together since 2008 when [Lloyd] moved back to Guam. We’ve stuck together like a family and we still talk everyday,” stated Delos Reyes on his relationship with Cubacub and Tuck.

Delos Reyes gets in some stand-up training with fellow UFC fighter Jon Tuck. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Both men will be in Delos Reyes’ corner during his fight.

Leonard Cubacub, younger brother of Lloyd, had been helping Delos Reyes in Las Vegas where JDR first set up shop to train. Moving from Las Vegas to Arizona to train with Tuck after the UFC called had been a smooth transition for JDR thanks to his close-knit team.

Upon hearing the news, Delos Reyes’ was shocked and overwhelmed with the pressure any first time UFC fighter would be faced with, but the nerves have calmed down since due in large part to the advice Tuck and his team have been giving him.

“Tuck always keeps me in check. He keeps me mentally ready and tells me ‘It’s just like preparing for an other fight, it’s just a bigger and better show,’ and I’ve been doing a lot of everything lately which ranges from strength and conditioning to rolling on the mat.”

Local fighter Ricky Camp spars with Jon Delos Reyes, preparing JDR for his UFC debut in Singapore. (photo by Jesse Castro)

JDR will be fighting at 135 lbs. and admitted that he will be moving down to 125 lbs. after this fight which suits him better.

Cubacub referred to Delos Reyes as his “dark horse” meaning that he was not one of the highly publicized fighters during his time on Guam but ultimately proved he is one of the best.

JDR still hasn’t gotten used to the spotlight and it’s safe to say the humble rising star does not care to be.

“If I make people proud then that’s good enough for me. I’m happy that I’m here, but I have to set another goal which is now to be the best at 125.”

He also believes that anyone from Guam can make it to the UFC and insist they train hard and says they also need all the support they can get from the entire MMA scene on Guam and not just by a select group.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Jon Tuck puts in a sparring session with JDR weeks before UFC Singapore. Tuck will corner JDR along with Team Countershot leader Sonny Chargualaf. (photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

(photo by Jesse Castro)

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