The bulk of Wilson Reis’ wins have come via decision, but when he doesn’t go to the scorecards, he has opponents tapping.

Reis (20-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC), a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, has nine wins via submission, but he said he’s getting more comfortable in the striking game. He hopes that will pay off when he faces UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson (24-2-1 MMA, 13-1-1 UFC) for the title at UFC 201.

A fight-ending punch would realize a goal that’s so far eluded Reis in his career.

“It would be huge,” he told MMAjunkie Radio. “But I’m not trying to force it. It’s something I work a lot on, and I’ve been feeling more natural in every fight.

“I feel I’m connecting more. It’s just a matter of time, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened in this fight.”

Related Demetrious Johnson to defend flyweight title against Wilson Reis at UFC 201

Johnson, who’s No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA flyweight rankings, and No. 9-ranked Reis co-headline the July 30 pay-per-view event at Atlanta’s Phillips Arena. It’s Johnson’s ninth attempted title defense.

Reis has watched the champ’s reign over the 125-pound division – one that’s earned him a No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking – and is impressed by the well-rounded attack displayed in the octagon. Yet, he said, “There’s definitely a lot of holes I’m going to capitalize on.”

The Brazilian’s work with San Diego’s Alliance MMA, where he trains with bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz, leaves him confident he’ll expose what others haven’t. He moved to San Diego to train full-time, working on technique between fights camps to continue evolving.

He’s got an extremely tough task ahead. Johnson thus far has looked almost invincible in the octagon, seamlessly weaving together his striking and grappling skills to keep opponents off balance at all times.

Progressively, Johnson’s striking has grown more dangerous, turning him into a finisher after several decision wins. In April, he stopped Henry Cejudo in the first round with knees and punches.

Reis, though, said he’s got the right team around him to unpack openings the champ might provide.

“It feels like I’m going to the fight even more confident because I have great coaches and teammates,” he said. “We train our gameplans together. The biggest thing is to believe in the coaches and trust the process.”

For more on UFC 201, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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