Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz plans to return to the octagon for one final fight early next year after a career marked by injuries and a recent knockout loss.
Dominick Cruz, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is eyeing one last walk to the octagon. He hopes to make this happen early next year.
“I’ll tell you,” Cruz shared with TMZ, “I think I got a last dance in me. Just wanna go out there and have fun.” And by fun? He means fighting to the bitter end, testing what’s left in him.
“The real fun,” he continued, “comes months later. You get to reflect and think, ‘Okay, that was fun.’ But then you’re ready again—to walk through fire. One more shot at that would be a pleasure.”
Cruz first stepped into the UFC arena in 2011 as the reigning 135-pound champ. Yet, injuries plagued his journey, limiting him to just ten bouts. Despite these setbacks, he won his initial five fights, defended his title twice, and reclaimed it after long breaks.
His latest fight saw him knocked out by Marlon Vera in round four at UFC San Diego in August 2022. At 39, Cruz had hoped for a comeback this year. Alas, things didn’t pan out.
“I wanted to get back in this year,” Cruz explained, “but negotiations haven’t aligned perfectly.” The division’s stacked with talent—it’s been amazing being part of it.
So perhaps early next year will be the time when everything finally clicks into place.