Dominick Cruz is hanging up his gloves.
Cruz was expected to return to action after over two years out of the cage with a fight scheduled against Rob Font later this month at UFC Seattle; however, the former bantamweight champion was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury. On Thursday, “The Dominator” announced his retirement from MMA.
“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 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.
“Thank you to the UFC for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others. 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”
Cruz is a former WEC and UFC bantamweight champion and regarded by many as the greatest bantamweight of all time.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Cruz’s career was also marred by injuries including multiple surgeries for a torn ACL in his knee, a torn groin muscle, a broken arm and now a pair of shoulder dislocations that prevented him from returning for one final fight.
The long layoffs due to injury ultimately resulted in him initially vacating his UFC title in 2014, which came after a nearly three year long absence from the cage.
Cruz finally returned and reclaimed the belt in 2016, becoming the first two-time champion in divisional history. He last competed at UFC San Diego where he was knocked out by Marlon “Chito” Vera back in 2022. His overall career record stands at 24-4.
