Dominick Cruz is an American professional mixed martial artist, sports analyst, and commentator. Competing in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Cruz is a former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion. He also fought in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and was its final Bantamweight Champion. As of May 14, 2024, he is ranked #13 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
March 9, 1985: Birth of Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz was born on March 9, 1985. This marks the beginning of his life and eventual journey into the world of mixed martial arts.
2005: Professional MMA Debut
Dominick Cruz embarked on his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2005, competing in organizations like Rage in the Cage and Total Combat, which served as stepping stones in his journey.
June 7, 2008: WEC Debut
On June 7, 2008, Dominick Cruz made his debut in the WEC's 135 lb bantamweight division at WEC 34, securing a unanimous decision victory against Charlie Valencia, marking a successful start in the promotion.
January 25, 2009: Victory Against Ian McCall
Dominick Cruz continued his winning streak by defeating Ian McCall via decision on January 25, 2009, at WEC 38, showcasing his skills and determination.
April 5, 2009: Victory Against Ivan Lopez
On April 5, 2009, Dominick Cruz emerged victorious against Ivan Lopez at WEC 40, further solidifying his position as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
August 9, 2009: Fight of the Night Honors
On August 9, 2009, at WEC 42, Dominick Cruz faced Joseph Benavidez in a fight that earned both participants "Fight of the Night" honors. Cruz won the fight by unanimous decision.
March 6, 2010: WEC Bantamweight Champion
Dominick Cruz's victory over Brian Bowles at WEC 47 on March 6, 2010, earned him the WEC Bantamweight Championship, marking a significant achievement in his career. Bowles suffered a broken hand during the fight, leading to a TKO victory for Cruz.
March 2010: WEC Bantamweight Champion
In March 2010, Dominick Cruz won the WEC bantamweight title, marking a significant milestone in his career and establishing his dominance in the division.
August 18, 2010: Title Defense Against Joseph Benavidez
On August 18, 2010, Dominick Cruz faced Joseph Benavidez in a rematch at WEC 50, successfully defending his title via split decision. Despite breaking his left hand during the fight, Cruz demonstrated resilience and determination.
October 28, 2010: WEC Merges with UFC
The merger of World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on October 28, 2010, marked a significant shift in the MMA landscape. As a result, all WEC fighters, including Dominick Cruz, were transferred to the UFC.
December 14, 2010: Inaugural UFC Bantamweight Champion
Dominick Cruz made history on December 14, 2010, by defeating Scott Jorgensen at WEC 53. This victory earned him both the WEC Bantamweight Championship and the newly created UFC Bantamweight Championship, making him the first fighter to hold the UFC title in that weight class.
July 2, 2011: Rematch with Urijah Faber
Dominick Cruz faced Urijah Faber in a rematch at UFC 132 on July 2, 2011. In a closely contested fight, Cruz emerged victorious, defending his UFC Bantamweight title and avenging his earlier loss to Faber.
October 1, 2011: Victory Against Demetrious Johnson
On October 1, 2011, Dominick Cruz successfully defended his UFC title for the second time, defeating Demetrious Johnson via unanimous decision at UFC on Versus 6. This victory further solidified his dominance in the bantamweight division. However, he broke his right hand in the first round, which would later contribute to his hiatus from competition.
December 2011: The Ultimate Fighter: Live Coach
In December 2011, Dominick Cruz was selected as a coach for The Ultimate Fighter: Live, facing off against Urijah Faber as the opposing coach. This opportunity allowed him to share his knowledge and experience with aspiring fighters.
2011: Successful Title Defenses
Throughout 2011, Dominick Cruz successfully defended his bantamweight title twice, further solidifying his position as a top fighter in the division.
May 7, 2012: Torn ACL Injury
On May 7, 2012, Dominick Cruz suffered a torn ACL injury, forcing him to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Urijah Faber and beginning a long and challenging period of recovery.
July 7, 2012: Scheduled Rubber Match with Urijah Faber (Canceled)
A highly anticipated rubber match between Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber was scheduled for July 7, 2012, at UFC 148. However, this fight was canceled due to Cruz's torn ACL injury.
December 3, 2012: Second ACL Surgery
On December 3, 2012, Dominick Cruz underwent a second ACL surgery after his body rejected a cadaver ligament. This setback further extended his recovery time and delayed his return to the octagon.
2012: Injuries Sideline Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz's career was unfortunately hampered by injuries in 2012, forcing him to take a break from competition and leading to future setbacks.
February 1, 2014: Vacates UFC Bantamweight Championship
Dominick Cruz was scheduled to face Renan Barão in a unification bout at UFC 169 on February 1, 2014. However, a torn groin injury forced him to withdraw from the fight and vacate the UFC Bantamweight Championship, marking another setback in his career.
September 27, 2014: Return to the Octagon
After nearly three years of battling injuries, Dominick Cruz made a triumphant return to the octagon on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. He defeated Takeya Mizugaki by KO in the first round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus and setting the stage for his comeback.
December 22, 2014: Another ACL Tear
Just as Dominick Cruz was mounting his comeback, he suffered another setback on December 22, 2014, tearing the ACL in his other knee. This injury sidelined him throughout 2015.
2014: Stripped of the Title
Due to ongoing injuries and an inability to defend his title, Dominick Cruz was stripped of the bantamweight championship in 2014, marking a difficult period in his career.
2015: Sidelined by Injury
Throughout 2015, Dominick Cruz remained sidelined due to the ACL tear he sustained in December 2014, further testing his resilience and determination.
January 17, 2016: Dominick Cruz's Comeback Victory
On January 17, 2016, Dominick Cruz achieved a remarkable victory against T.J. Dillashaw, reclaiming the bantamweight championship. This win was widely celebrated as one of the greatest comeback stories in MMA history, highlighting Cruz's resilience and determination after a long period of injuries.
June 4, 2016: Victory Against Urijah Faber
On June 4, 2016, Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber met for the third time at UFC 199. Cruz emerged victorious, successfully defending his title via unanimous decision and concluding their trilogy.
December 30, 2016: Loss to Cody Garbrandt
Dominick Cruz faced Cody Garbrandt on December 30, 2016, at UFC 207. Despite being knocked down multiple times during the fight, Cruz fought valiantly until the end, losing by unanimous decision. This marked his first loss in almost a decade. Later, Cruz revealed that he had been battling plantar fascia tendinitis during his training camp.
December 30, 2017: Scheduled Fight Against Jimmie Rivera (Canceled)
A fight between Dominick Cruz and Jimmie Rivera was scheduled for December 30, 2017, at UFC 219. However, Cruz suffered a broken arm and had to withdraw from the event.
December 11, 2018: Shoulder Injury
On December 11, 2018, it was reported that Dominick Cruz had injured his shoulder, leading to his withdrawal from the scheduled fight against John Lineker. This injury marked another setback in his career and resulted in another extended period of recovery.
January 26, 2019: Scheduled Fight Against John Lineker (Canceled)
Dominick Cruz was scheduled to face John Lineker at UFC 233 on January 26, 2019. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from the fight, further delaying his return to competition.
May 9, 2020: Return and Loss to Henry Cejudo
After over three years away from the sport, Dominick Cruz returned to face Henry Cejudo for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 249 on May 9, 2020. Despite a determined effort, Cruz lost the fight via TKO in the second round.
March 6, 2021: Victory Against Casey Kenney
On March 6, 2021, Dominick Cruz secured a victory against Casey Kenney at UFC 259. He won the fight via split decision, demonstrating his resilience and skill despite facing adversity throughout his career.
December 11, 2021: UFC 269: Cruz vs. Munhoz
On December 11, 2021, Dominick Cruz secured a unanimous decision victory against Pedro Munhoz at UFC 269, showcasing his resilience by overcoming two knockdowns in the first round. The exciting bout also earned Cruz the Fight of the Night bonus award.
August 13, 2022: UFC on ESPN 41: Vera vs. Cruz
Dominick Cruz faced Marlon Vera at UFC on ESPN 41 on August 13, 2022. Unfortunately, Cruz lost the fight in the fourth round due to a head kick knockout.
May 14, 2024: UFC Bantamweight Ranking
As of May 14, 2024, Dominick Cruz was ranked #13 in the UFC bantamweight rankings, reflecting his standing in the division at that time.