Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is eager to showcase his skills and remind fans of his excellence at UFC Seattle.
It’s been nearly three years since Cruz last entered the Octagon. After achieving consecutive victories over Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz, he faced a setback when he was defeated by head kick from Marlon Vera at UFC San Diego in 2022, halting his quest for another bantamweight title opportunity.
Currently, Cruz is gearing up for a pivotal fight against ninth-ranked bantamweight contender Rob Font at UFC Seattle next month. After years dedicated to rebuilding his body and recovering from the toll of his injury-laden career, he is set to enter the cage rejuvenated and ready to make an impactful statement.
In his time away from fighting, Cruz has emerged as a leading voice on UFC broadcasts and is widely acknowledged as one of the sport’s top analysts. Although he seems poised for a flourishing career in broadcasting, his passion for the fight game compels him to make a comeback, culminating in his return at UFC Seattle.
Cruz’s comeback has sparked excitement among fans, analysts, and fellow fighters alike. However, it raises the question: will this be the final chapter for one of the greatest bantamweight fighters of all time?
Cruz recently opened up about the implications of his matchup against Rob Font during an episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy. He expressed the importance of being in peak physical condition before stepping back into the Octagon.
“I’ve been wanting to take a fight, but I need to get my body in order,” Cruz remarked. “It’s no secret that I’ve had a lot of injuries in my career, so I like to ensure I’m ready and not just taking something where I’m hurt. I don’t need to fight that way anymore…”
He added, “I’m from the era where you didn’t get paid a ton to fight, you just enjoyed it. That’s why I started. So, I enjoy fighting, and I’m going to do one more.”
Cruz might reconsider his future depending on the outcome of his bout against Font. Nevertheless, he seems at peace with the possibility of concluding his career, win or lose, in front of an audience in the Pacific Northwest.
If Font turns out to be Cruz’s final opponent in his illustrious career, he will retire as one of the most remarkable athletes to have ever stepped into the Octagon. Throughout his multiple reigns as UFC bantamweight champion, Cruz notched victories against legends like Demetrious Johnson and Urijah Faber, solidifying his legacy as an all-time great.
At one point, Cruz was nearly invincible, winning 22 of his first 23 professional fights. However, his remarkable 13-fight winning streak, which included triumphs in both the WEC and UFC, was abruptly halted when he lost to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207.
Cruz’s pre-fight insights elevate the excitement surrounding the UFC’s return to the Emerald City. The co-main event will honor a UFC legend, regardless of the outcome, as he prepares for the next chapter of his life, which will likely include an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame.
