Dominick Cruz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dominick Cruz |
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![]() Cruz in 2017
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Born | Dominick Rogelio Cruz March 9, 1985 San Diego, California, U.S. |
Nickname(s) | The Dominator |
Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
Weight | 135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st) |
Division | Bantamweight (2008–2025) Featherweight (2006–2008) Lightweight (2005–2006) |
Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
Stance | Orthodox |
Fighting out of | San Diego, California, U.S. |
Team | Alliance MMA (2006–2025) |
Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Lloyd Irvin |
Years active | 2005–2025 |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 28 |
Wins | 24 |
By knockout | 7 |
By submission | 1 |
By decision | 16 |
Losses | 4 |
By knockout | 2 |
By submission | 1 |
By decision | 1 |
Dominick Rogelio Cruz (born March 9, 1985) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He also works as a sports analyst and commentator. He competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Cruz was the first ever and a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion.
He also fought for World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and was the last WEC Bantamweight Champion. Many people consider him one of the best bantamweight fighters of all time. Cruz is known for his unique movements, strong wrestling, and quick strikes. He often attacks from different angles, which makes him stand out from other fighters.
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Dominick Cruz's Early Life
Cruz was born in San Diego, California. He is of Mexican descent. He grew up with his single mother, grandmother, and brother. They lived in a trailer park in Tucson for most of his childhood.
He started wrestling in seventh grade. He continued wrestling all through high school at Flowing Wells High School. An injury in his senior year meant he lost a scholarship to wrestle at the University of Northern Colorado. Before becoming a full-time fighter, Cruz worked at Lowe's. He also studied to be a firefighter at a community college.
Dominick Cruz's Fighting Career
Starting in Mixed Martial Arts
Dominick Cruz began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2005. He fought in organizations like Rage in the Cage and Total Combat. He won all nine of his first fights before joining World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC).
Fighting in World Extreme Cagefighting
Cruz's first fight in the WEC was at featherweight. It was at WEC 26 against Urijah Faber for a title. He lost this fight in the first round. This match started a long rivalry between the two fighters.
On June 7, 2008, Cruz moved to the WEC's 135 lb bantamweight division. At WEC 34, he beat Charlie Valencia by unanimous decision. He then won more fights by decision. These wins were against Ian McCall at WEC 38 and Ivan Lopez at WEC 40.
Cruz defeated Joseph Benavidez at WEC 42 on August 9, 2009. He won by unanimous decision. Both fighters earned "Fight of the Night" honors for their exciting match.
Becoming WEC Bantamweight Champion
After winning four fights in a row, Cruz got a chance to fight for the WEC Bantamweight Championship. He faced the champion, Brian Bowles, at WEC 47 on March 6, 2010. Cruz won the fight when Bowles could not continue after the second round due to a broken hand. This made Cruz the new WEC Bantamweight Champion.
Cruz defended his title for the first time against Joseph Benavidez at WEC 50 on August 18, 2010. This was a rematch from their fight at WEC 42. Cruz won again by split decision, even though he broke his left hand during the fight.
Cruz then faced Scott Jorgensen at WEC 53 on December 14, 2010. This fight was for both the WEC Bantamweight Championship and the new UFC Bantamweight Championship. Cruz won by unanimous decision. He kept his WEC title and became the first ever UFC Bantamweight Champion.
Fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championship
Becoming UFC Bantamweight Champion
On October 28, 2010, the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) organization joined with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). All WEC fighters, including Cruz, moved to the UFC.
Cruz's first defense of his new UFC Bantamweight title was a rematch with Urijah Faber. This fight happened on July 2, 2011, at UFC 132. It was a very close fight. Cruz won by unanimous decision, which helped him get revenge for his only loss at that time.
Cruz defended his title again on October 1, 2011, at UFC on Versus 6. He defeated Demetrious Johnson by unanimous decision, even though he broke his right hand in the first round.
Dealing with Injuries
In December 2011, Cruz was chosen to coach The Ultimate Fighter: Live against Urijah Faber. Their third fight was planned for July 7, 2012, at UFC 148. However, Cruz had to pull out of the fight on May 7, 2012, because he tore his ACL (a knee ligament).
In December 2012, Cruz had another ACL surgery. His body had rejected the first one. He was expected to be out for six to nine months.
Cruz was supposed to return on February 1, 2014, at UFC 169. He was set to fight Renan Barão to unify the bantamweight titles. But on January 6, 2014, UFC president Dana White announced that Cruz had torn his groin. Because of this, Cruz gave up his UFC Bantamweight Championship.
After almost three years away due to injuries, Cruz returned on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. He faced Takeya Mizugaki and won by knockout in the first round. This win also earned him his first "Performance of the Night" bonus. After the fight, it was confirmed that Cruz would fight T.J. Dillashaw for the Bantamweight Championship next.
However, on December 22, 2014, Cruz announced he had torn the ACL in his other knee. This injury kept him out of fighting through 2015.
Winning the Championship Back
After more than four years since his last title fight, Cruz faced T.J. Dillashaw on January 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 81. He won the title back with a split-decision victory. Both fighters received "Fight of the Night" honors. Many people called this victory one of the greatest comebacks in MMA history.
To complete their three-fight series, Cruz defended his title against Urijah Faber on June 4, 2016, at UFC 199. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Losing the Title and More Injuries
Cruz faced Cody Garbrandt on December 30, 2016, at UFC 207. Cruz lost the fight by unanimous decision after being knocked down several times. This was his first loss in almost 10 years. Later, Cruz shared that he had been dealing with a foot injury during his training camp.
Cruz was supposed to fight Jimmie Rivera on December 30, 2017, at UFC 219. However, on November 8, it was reported that Cruz broke his arm and had to withdraw.
He was then scheduled to fight John Lineker on January 26, 2019, at UFC 233. On December 11, 2018, Cruz injured his shoulder and pulled out of that fight too. He expected to be out of competition for another year.
After more than a three-year break, Cruz returned on May 9, 2020, at UFC 249. He replaced José Aldo and fought Henry Cejudo for the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Cruz lost by TKO in the second round.
Cruz faced Casey Kenney on March 6, 2021, at UFC 259. He won the fight by split decision.
He then fought Pedro Munhoz on December 11, 2021, at UFC 269. Cruz won by unanimous decision, even after being knocked down twice in the first round. This fight earned the "Fight of the Night" bonus award.
Cruz's last fight was against Marlon Vera on August 13, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 41. He lost the fight by knockout from a head kick in the fourth round.
Retirement
After being away from fighting for over two years, Cruz was scheduled to fight Rob Font on February 22, 2025. However, Cruz withdrew from the fight due to a shoulder injury. He then announced his retirement from competing in MMA.
Dominick Cruz's Fighting Style
Dominick Cruz is considered one of the best MMA fighters of his time. He moves constantly from side to side and strikes with great accuracy. He is known for his quick footwork, head movement, and using fake moves to trick opponents. He often attacks with combinations of punches and kicks from different angles. Besides his striking, Cruz also has a strong background in amateur wrestling.
Dominick Cruz's Achievements
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Bantamweight Championship (Two times; he was the first champion)
- He successfully defended his title three times (twice in his first time as champion, once in his second).
- He is tied with Aljamain Sterling and T.J. Dillashaw for the most title defenses in UFC Bantamweight history (3).
- He is tied for the second most title fight wins in UFC Bantamweight history (4).
- Fight of the Night (Four times) vs. Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, Cody Garbrandt and Pedro Munhoz.
- Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Takeya Mizugaki
- He held the title for the longest single period in UFC Bantamweight history (1,117 days).
- He held the title for the longest combined period in UFC Bantamweight history (1,465 days).
- He has the most title wins in UFC/WEC Bantamweight history (7).
- He is tied with Aljamain Sterling for the most wins in UFC/WEC Bantamweight history (14).
- He has landed the most takedowns in UFC/WEC Bantamweight history (55).
- UFC Bantamweight Championship (Two times; he was the first champion)
- World Extreme Cagefighting
- WEC Bantamweight Championship (One time, he was the last champion)
- He successfully defended his title two times.
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Joseph Benavidez
- WEC Bantamweight Championship (One time, he was the last champion)
- Total Combat
- Total Combat Lightweight Championship
- Total Combat Featherweight Championship
- Other Awards
- 2010 Fighter of the Year by USA Today
- 2016 Comeback Fighter of the Year by Fight Matrix
- 2014 Comeback Fighter of the Year by World MMA Awards
- 2015, 2016, 2017 Analyst of the Year by World MMA Awards
Dominick Cruz's Fight Record
Professional record breakdown | ||
28 matches | 24 wins | 4 losses |
By knockout | 7 | 2 |
By submission | 1 | 1 |
By decision | 16 | 1 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
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Loss | 24–4 | Marlon Vera | KO (head kick) | UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz | August 13, 2022 | 4 | 2:17 | San Diego, California, United States | |
Win | 24–3 | Pedro Munhoz | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 269 | December 11, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
Win | 23–3 | Casey Kenney | Decision (split) | UFC 259 | March 6, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
Loss | 22–3 | Henry Cejudo | TKO (knee and punches) | UFC 249 | May 9, 2020 | 2 | 4:58 | Jacksonville, Florida, United States | For the UFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Loss | 22–2 | Cody Garbrandt | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 207 | December 30, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Lost the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
Win | 22–1 | Urijah Faber | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 199 | June 4, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Inglewood, California, United States | Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 21–1 | T.J. Dillashaw | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz | January 17, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Won the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
Win | 20–1 | Takeya Mizugaki | KO (punches) | UFC 178 | September 27, 2014 | 1 | 1:01 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
Win | 19–1 | Demetrious Johnson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson | October 1, 2011 | 5 | 5:00 | Washington D.C., United States | Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Cruz gave up the title on January 6, 2014 due to injuries. |
Win | 18–1 | Urijah Faber | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 132 | July 2, 2011 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
Win | 17–1 | Scott Jorgensen | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 53 | December 16, 2010 | 5 | 5:00 | Glendale, Arizona, United States | Defended the WEC Bantamweight Championship. Won the first ever UFC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 16–1 | Joseph Benavidez | Decision (split) | WEC 50 | August 18, 2010 | 5 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Defended the WEC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 15–1 | Brian Bowles | TKO (doctor stoppage) | WEC 47 | March 6, 2010 | 2 | 5:00 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | Won the WEC Bantamweight Championship. |
Win | 14–1 | Joseph Benavidez | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 42 | August 9, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
Win | 13–1 | Iván López | Technical Decision (unanimous) | WEC 40 | April 5, 2009 | 3 | 3:24 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Lopez could not continue after an accidental knee from Cruz. |
Win | 12–1 | Ian McCall | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 38 | January 25, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | |
Win | 11–1 | Charlie Valencia | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 34 | June 1, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Sacramento, California, United States | First fight at Bantamweight. |
Win | 10–1 | Kenneth Aimes | KO (punches) | Total Combat 27 | March 22, 2008 | 1 | N/A | Yuma, Arizona, United States | |
Loss | 9–1 | Urijah Faber | Submission (guillotine choke) | WEC 26 | March 24, 2007 | 1 | 1:38 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | For the WEC Featherweight Championship. |
Win | 9–0 | Shad Smith | Decision (unanimous) | Total Combat 18 | November 4, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | First fight at Featherweight. Won the Total Combat Featherweight Championship. |
Win | 8–0 | Juan Miranda | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Total Combat 16 | September 9, 2006 | 1 | 4:00 | San Diego, California, United States | Won the Total Combat Lightweight Championship. |
Win | 7–0 | Dave Hisquierdo | Decision (split) | Total Combat 15 | July 15, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | |
Win | 6–0 | Michael Barney | TKO (punches) | Rage in the Cage 79 | February 24, 2006 | 1 | 2:45 | Tucson, Arizona, United States | |
Win | 5–0 | Nick Hedrick | Decision (unanimous) | Rage in the Cage 75 | September 30, 2005 | 3 | 2:00 | Glendale, Arizona, United States | |
Win | 4–0 | Josh Donahue | TKO (punches) | Rage in the Cage 74 | September 10, 2005 | 2 | 1:09 | Casa Grande, Arizona, United States | |
Win | 3–0 | Tom Schwager | TKO (punches) | Rage in the Cage 73 | August 6, 2005 | 1 | 0:56 | Glendale, Arizona, United States | |
Win | 2–0 | Rosco McClellan | TKO (punches) | Rage in the Cage 70 | June 11, 2005 | 2 | 1:26 | Glendale, Arizona, United States | |
Win | 1–0 | Eddie Castro | Decision (split) | Rage in the Cage 67 | January 29, 2005 | 3 | 3:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
Pay-Per-View Fights
Dominick Cruz was part of one major pay-per-view event:
No. | Event | Fight | Date | Venue | City | PPV Buys |
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1. | UFC 132 | Cruz vs. Faber 2 | July 2, 2011 | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada | 350,000 |
See also
In Spanish: Dominick Cruz para niños
- List of male mixed martial artists
- List of UFC champions
- List of UFC records
- List of UFC bonus award recipients
- List of UFC events