Dominick Cruz: Career, Fights, Injuries & Retirement – The Legacy of an MMA Legend
Dominick Cruz, often hailed as "The Dominator," has etched his name in mixed martial arts (MMA) history through a combination of unparalleled footwork, strategic prowess, and an indomitable spirit. Born on March 9, 1985, in San Diego, California, Cruz's journey to the pinnacle of the bantamweight division is a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Cruz's professional debut came in 2005, but it was his tenure in the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) organization that truly showcased his potential. Capturing the WEC Bantamweight Championship, he defended it successfully before the organization's merger with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This transition crowned him as the inaugural UFC Bantamweight Champion, setting the stage for a series of high-profile bouts.
WEC & Inaugural UFC Bantamweight Champion
Throughout his career, Cruz faced a litany of formidable opponents. His trilogy with Urijah Faber (35-11) stands out, with Cruz avenging an early loss to Faber by securing victories in their subsequent encounters. He also bested future flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson (31-4-1), showcasing his dominance in the division. A tactical masterclass against T.J. Dillashaw (17-5) in 2016 saw Cruz reclaim the bantamweight title after a prolonged injury hiatus, underscoring his ability to overcome adversity.
Cruz and Faber Face Off for Trilogy Fight
Cruz versus Johnson
However, Cruz's reign as champion came to an end in December 2016 when he faced Cody Garbrandt (12-5) at UFC 207. Garbrandt delivered a striking clinic, repeatedly dropping Cruz and taunting him in the process. Despite Cruz's best efforts, Garbrandt secured a unanimous decision victory, handing Cruz his first loss in nearly a decade and capturing the bantamweight title.
Cruz's journey was also marred by a series of injuries that would challenge even the most tenacious athletes. A torn ACL in 2012 forced him out of a scheduled bout, and complications from surgery, including a second ACL tear, led to multiple years away from competition. In 2014, just as fans anticipated his return, a groin tear compelled him to vacate his title. Despite these setbacks, Cruz's 2014 comeback saw him deliver a first-round knockout against Takeya Mizugaki (23-14-2), reminding the MMA world of his elite capabilities.
The injury bug, unfortunately, remained a constant adversary. A broken arm in 2017 and a shoulder injury in 2018 further stalled his career. Yet, Cruz's resilience was on full display when he stepped in to challenge Henry Cejudo (16-3) for the bantamweight title in 2020 after a nearly four-year layoff. Although he suffered a TKO loss, his willingness to face top-tier competition after extended absences spoke volumes about his character.
In the latter stages of his career, Cruz continued to seek out challenging matchups. A split decision victory over Casey Kenney (16-4-1) in 2021 and a unanimous decision win against Pedro Munhoz (19-8-1) later that year highlighted his enduring skill set. However, a knockout loss to Marlon Vera (20-8-1) in 2022 signaled that time might be catching up with the veteran fighter.
In early 2025, Cruz announced his intention to retire after a final bout against Rob Font at UFC Seattle. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from the fight, leading to his official retirement announcement. Reflecting on his decision, Cruz stated, "Sometimes the body just doesn't cooperate," acknowledging the toll that years of competition and injuries had taken on him. (sports.yahoo.com)
Beyond the octagon, Cruz has made significant contributions as a commentator and analyst, offering insights that reflect his deep understanding of the sport. His articulate breakdowns and candid assessments have endeared him to fans and aspiring fighters alike.
Cruz as UFC Commentator
Dominick Cruz's legacy in MMA is one of skill, strategy, and an unwavering refusal to be sidelined by adversity. While injuries may have interrupted his journey, they never defined it. As he steps away from active competition, "The Dominator" leaves behind a blueprint of excellence and resilience for future generations of fighters.