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Dominick Cruz
Dom Cruz 2.png
Cruz in 2017
Born Dominick Rogelio Cruz
(1985-03-09) March 9, 1985 (age 40)
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.

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.

Dominick-cruz
Dominick Cruz after defending his WEC Bantamweight Championship in August 2010

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).
  • 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
  • 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
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
1. UFC 132 Cruz vs. Faber 2 July 2, 2011 MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas, Nevada 350,000

See also

Kids robot.svg 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
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