Dominick Cruz believes Aljamain Sterling‘s win at UFC 288 saved the bantamweight division, as he thinks Sterling is a more active, respectable champion than Henry Cejudo would have been.
Dominick Cruz, a former competitor of Henry Cejudo, recently expressed his relief that Cejudo did not win the bantamweight title during his UFC 288 title defense against Aljamain Sterling. He argued that having Sterling as the champion benefits the bantamweight division because of his active presence and respectful demeanor. Cruz said, “I think Sterling is gonna be much better for the 135-pound division as champion…the way he carries himself, the way that he fights, the way that he shows respect.”
Cruz and Cejudo have a history of animosity. The two fighters have previously engaged in trash talk and sniping at each other in the lead up to their fight at UFC 249. Cejudo eventually retired and relinquished the bantamweight title after defeating Cruz, a decision that Cruz believes indicates his rival was looking for an easy way out. According to Cruz, anyone who retires in their prime is trying to avoid the pressure that comes with being a champion.
Cruz, who continued to fight after his loss to Cejudo and won two subsequent bouts against Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz, explained that keeping up with the demands of the sport and facing constantly mounting pressure is part of being a true competitor. He pointed to other fighters, such as José Aldo, who continued to face these challenges head-on. Cruz believes that had Cejudo won the title, his retirement could have had a negative impact on the bantamweight division, which Sterling’s victory helps to avoid.