Zachary Reese

Zachary Patrick Reese (born March 24, 1994) is an American mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background Reese was born in Houston, Texas before he moved to Shiner. He worked in the oil fields as a well tester, juggling punishing 90-hour shifts away from home with early-morning and late-night training to keep his dream alive.

Mixed martial arts career Early career Reese started his amateur career during 2012–2021, he amassed a 4–1 record in amateur. He turned pro in 2021, in an American regional circuit, Perk Fighting and Fury Fighting Championship, where he acquired a 5–0 record before his fight at Dana White's Contender Series.

Dana White's Contender Series Reese was invited to the Dana White's Contender Series, he faced Eli Aronov at week 3 of DWCS season 7 on August 22, 2023. He won the fight via an armbar in round one and he was awarded a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fighting Championship In his UFC debut, Reese faced Cody Brundage on December 2, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 52. He lost the fight by first round knockout due to a slam and punches.

Reese faced Julian Marquez on June 8, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 57. He won the fight by technical knockout in 20 seconds into the first round. This fight earned him his first Performance of the Night award.

Reese faced José Medina on August 24, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 62. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Reese was scheduled to face Sedriques Dumas on January 18, 2025, at UFC 311. However, Dumas pulled out during fight week and was replaced by Azamat Bekoev. He lost the fight via knockout in round one.

Reese faced Duško Todorović on May 31, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 68. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Reese faced Sedriques Dumas on September 13, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 259. The fight ended in no-contest after an unintentional groin kick by Reese rendered Dumas unable to continue.

After Robert Valentin's injured and Donte Johnson was not cleared to compete by the Nevada Athletic Commission, Reese stepped in to face Jackson McVey in a 195 pounds bout on November 8, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 264. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round two. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.

Reese faced Michel Pereira on February 21, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 267. He lost the fight by split decision. 9 out of 13 media outlets scored the bout for Reese.

Reese faced Ryan Gandra on July 11, 2026 at UFC 329. He lost the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (Two times)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Ryan Gandra TKO (punches) UFC 329

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Michel Pereira Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Jackson McVey Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States NC

Sedriques Dumas NC (accidental groin kick) UFC Fight Night: Lopes vs. Silva

San Antonio, Texas, United States Win

Duško Todorović Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Gamrot vs. Klein

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Azamat Bekoev KO (punches) UFC 311

Inglewood, California, United States Win

José Medina Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Borralho

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Julian Marquez TKO (body kick and punches) UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov

Louisville, Kentucky, United States Loss

Cody Brundage KO (slam and punches) UFC on ESPN: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan

Austin, Texas, United States Win

Eli Aronov Submission (armbar) Dana White's Contender Series 59

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Tommie Britton TKO (punches) Fury FC 76

San Antonio, Texas, United States Win

Aaron Phillips Technical Submission (guillotine choke) Fury FC 74

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Shahriar Zolfaghari TKO (elbows and punches) Fury FC 71

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Malik Jahmaze TKO (punches) Peak Fighting 15

Texarkana, Arkansas, United States Win

Fred Zamora KO (elbows) Peak Fighting 10

Springdale, Arkansas, United States