Two-time UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is looking it a profession after withdrawing from UFC Seattle as a consequence of a reaggravated shoulder injury.
A bantamweight icon is hanging up the gloves after a fighting profession spanning three a long time.
Dominick Cruz was speculated to make his return to the Octagon against Rob Font at UFC Seattle later this month. But in his final preparations of fight camp, Cruz suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to withdraw from what he called his retirement fight.
Cruz, arguably the best bantamweight in UFC history, was set to return to the cage for the primary time since a knockout loss to Marlon Vera in Aug. 2022. Before the loss to Vera, Cruz won back-to-back fights in 2021 over Pedro Munhoz and Casey Kenney.
While Cruz treated fight fans to a plethora of memories that may last perpetually, his profession may also be remembered for his various health issues and long absences from the cage. Despite his multiple hiatuses, he was capable of compete with one of the best at 135 lbs and enjoyed multiple bantamweight title reigns.
Amidst speculation about what was next for Cruz after his UFC Seattle withdrawal, the previous two-time champion issued an announcement to his fans, friends, and family.
Dominick Cruz hangs up the gloves after two UFC bantamweight title reigns
In a recent post to X, Cruz announced his retirement in a lengthy message to his supporters.
“To the fans worldwide,
“I actually have poured every ounce of myself into this sport for the last 25 years. I used to be really looking forward to one final fight but unfortunately, two shoulder dislocations in 8 months calls an end to this guy’s profession,” Cruz began.
“I gave every thing I had and put it into preparation and training for this fight —specializing in my cardio and my body for the past yr. But sometimes, the body just doesn’t cooperate.
“The pain isn’t as bad now that my shoulder is back in place, however the second dislocation was way more complicated than the primary. This sport has been every thing to me—it’s helped to shape who I’m.
“Thanks to the [UFC] for constructing this platform and paving the best way for fighters like myself and so many others. The UFC broke barriers to set the stage not only for us as fighters. Also for each mma sports organization that followed them across the bridge created throughout politics with the intention to allow our sport to happen LEGALLY in the US and now the world.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who booked tickets, hotels, and flights to support me. Thanks all for being there through every moment, every victory, and each challenge. You’ve made this journey unforgettable. Thanks for the love and support. I’ll carry it with me at all times.”
Cruz walks away with the second-most title fight wins (4) and consecutive title defenses (2) in UFC bantamweight history. Before making his UFC debut in July 2011, Cruz was a standout in WEC, holding the bantamweight championship while defeating the likes of Joseph Benavidez, Scott Jorgensen, and Urijah Faber.
Next up for Dominick Cruz? The UFC Hall of Fame
Cruz’s rivalry with Faber is probably the most memorable in UFC history. Spanning nearly 10 years, Cruz and Faber fought 3 times during their careers and helped put the bantamweight division on the map.
Cruz, the inaugural UFC bantamweight champion, defended the belt against Demetrious Johnson before undergoing a three-year absence as a consequence of injury. After a win over Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 178, Cruz won the bantamweight belt for a second time by outpointing TJ Dillashaw in January 2016.
After losing to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207 in his second title reign, Cruz eventually made it back to the title shot at UFC 249, losing to Henry Cejudo by TKO. It’s a fight that Cruz still calls probably the most controversial lack of his profession.
During his multiple absences from competition, Cruz established himself as one in all the highest UFC/MMA analysts on television. After hanging up the gloves, he’s expected to tackle more of a distinguished role on UFC broadcasts moving forward, and can likely enjoy similar success to what he amassed contained in the cage.
