SMITHTOWN, N.Y. — The Stony Brook Athletics community came out in full force to cheer on a native son on Saturday night.
Seawolves from several generations gathered at the Greene Turtle in Smithtown for Stony Brook football alum Dominick Reyes' UFC light heavyweight championship fight against reigning champion Jon Jones.
The watch party was sponsored by the Stony Brook Alumni Association.
Reyes, a 2013 graduate from the university and former football standout with the Seawolves, ultimately lost to Jones in a unanimous decision after the fight went the full five rounds. Reyes suffered his first-ever MMA defeat.
"It's obviously not the result you want to see," said Stony Brook football alum
Zachary Lucas, who attended the watch party. "But seeing a guy like Dom go five round with a guy like Jon Jones, his career is not over at all yet obviously. It was amazing seeing him on the national stage. For football players who go to Stony Brook, it's an inspiration. It's just a cool experience for everybody all around."
A contingent also made its way to Houston to watch the fight live.
"The family atmosphere is real and genuine,"
tweeted Stony Brook coordinator of player personnel and recruiting coordinator
Patrick Hatch, who was among those in Texas for the UFC event.
