After two decades of being a professional mixed martial artist, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz has announced his retirement.
Injuries Scrap Dominick Cruz’s Comeback, Force Exit From Sport
Originally scheduled to return following a two year hiatus from competition against Rob Font at UFC Fight Night 252, Dominick Cruz was suddenly axed from the card (first reported by Cageside Press) due to injuries sustained in camp. Longtime fans of the sport will remember how “The Dominator”‘s first reign as the promotion’s 135-lb king was cut short because of injuries that left him sidelined for almost three years.
He ultimately returned to reclaim his throne after a five round war with T.J. Dillashaw at UFC Fight Night 81. However, upon eventually losing his strap to Cody Garbrandt, the California native again suffered a lengthy lay off from injuries, not stepping back into the cage for another three years.
A heartfelt message to fans and the UFC signals retirement
Taking to X, Dominick Cruz released a statement for all his fans to read. Going into detail about the extent of his injuries and his fight camp in the first part of the missive, Cruz officially declared his time as a competitor has come to an end.
To the fans worldwide,
I have poured every ounce of myself into this sport for the last 25 years. I was really hopeful for one final fight but unfortunately, two shoulder dislocations in 8 months calls an end to this guy’s career.
I gave everything I had and put it into… pic.twitter.com/2X5fB6NXnZ
— Dominick Cruz (@DominickCruz) February 6, 2025
“To the fans worldwide,
I have poured every ounce of myself into this sport for the last 25 years. I was really hopeful for one final fight but unfortunately, two shoulder dislocations in 8 months calls an end to this guy’s career,” Dominick Cruz wrote.
“I gave everything I had and put it into preparation and training for this fight —focusing on my cardio and my body for the past year. But sometimes, the body just doesn’t cooperate.
The pain isn’t as bad now that my shoulder is back in place, but the second dislocation was far more complicated than the first.
This sport has been everything to me—it’s helped to shape who I am.”
He continues further by thanking his supporters for their years of dedication, as well as the UFC.
“Thank you to the UFC for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others,” he said. “The UFC broke barriers to set the stage not just for us as fighters. Also for every mma sports organization that followed them across the bridge created throughout politics in order to allow our sport to take place LEGALLY in the United States and now the world.”
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who booked tickets, hotels, and flights to support me. Thank you all for being there through every moment, every victory, and every challenge. You’ve made this journey unforgettable. Thank you for the love and support. I will carry it with me always.
With love,
Dominick”.
Impeccable Run At Top Seals Dominick Cruz’s Legacy As All-Time Great
At the time of his departure from MMA, Dominick Cruz leaves behind a lasting legacy as arguably the greatest bantamweight of all time with five total title defenses across his time as the WEC and UFC 135-lb champion.
He also lays claim to a bevy of victories over other legendary names in and outside the division like Urijah Faber twice, Ian McCall, Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson. Completing his career with a professional record of 24-4, Cruz was last seen in action back in 2022 at UFC on ESPN 41, where he was knocked out in brutal fashion by Marlon Vera.