Fansided

Ryan Reaves’ win over Adam McQuaid puts him next in line for a UFC title fight

By Bruin Belisle

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Vegas Golden Knights fights Adam McQuaid #54 of the New York Rangers during the third period at T-Mobile Arena on January 8, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Vegas Golden Knights fights Adam McQuaid #54 of the New York Rangers during the third period at T-Mobile Arena on January 8, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Vegas Godlen Knights put the beat down on the New York Rangers last night in a 4-2 victory, highlighted by a Ryan Reaves TKO win over Adam McQuaid.

It’s rare to see two of the game’s top heavyweights go at it in today’s NHL. The hypothetical “my guy could beat your guy” conversation is had on living room couches, in pubs and at arenas across the continent, but rarely do we actually see a big-time fight anymore.

Last night was one of those rare times. Ryan Reaves and Adam McQuaid are two of the NHL’s toughest customers and when they squared off at center ice in Vegas last night, you’d think you were suddenly watching a UFC event.

Someone get Dana White on the phone because Reaves has to be next in line for a shot at that UFC heavyweight belt. The look on his face going into this bout with McQuaid is exactly why he’s the most feared player in the NHL.

Reaves is on a tear. He’s the consensus top “tough guy” in the NHL and last night’s tilt with McQuaid proved it. At 6’1″ and 225 lbs, he’s classified as a heavyweight. It’s too early to know what will happen between UFC stars Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones, but it’s safe to assume that Reaves gets the next crack at the title, right?

Reaves is quickly becoming a fan favorite off the ice as well. The fun-loving enforcer is entertaining Vegas residents in more ways than one. In a recently announced partnership between Able Baker Brewing and Reaves’ 7Five Brewing Co., he’s introduced Vegas to his own beer.

7Five beer is currently only available on Vegas taps, but Reaves has said he would explore bottling/canning options if the beer gained enough popularity. Given how loved this guy is, chances are it will.

As for Adam McQuaid, he’ll have to wait until next season for another crack at the champ, assuming the Rangers and Golden Knights don’t meet in the Stanley Cup final (which is a pretty safe assumption).

Let’s not downplay McQuaid either. The long time Bruin turned Ranger has been a staple atop the NHL’s tough guy ranking for years and barring an errant elbow pad, he could have just as easily come out of this scrap with a victory. Darth Quaider will be back for more.

light. More. NHL needs to go back to its old playoff format

The Rangers press on to face the Islanders in a two-part battle for New York on Thursday and Saturday. Reaves and his Golden Knights will see action again on Thursday as well, when they square up to the surging San Jose Sharks.

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