Two-time UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) after withdrawing from a scheduled fight in Seattle due to a reaggravated shoulder injury. The 25-year career marks the end of an era for one of the greatest bantamweights in UFC history.
Cruz, who won back-to-back fights in 2021 over Pedro Munhoz and Casey Kenney, had hoped to make his return to the Octagon after a knockout loss to Marlon Vera in August 2022. However, he suffered two shoulder dislocations in just eight months, forcing him to call it quits.
In a heartfelt statement on social media, Cruz expressed his gratitude to fans, friends, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career. He praised the UFC for creating a platform that allowed fighters like himself to compete and make a name for themselves in the sport.
Cruz’s illustrious career includes two bantamweight title reigns and a record 4 title fight wins in the division. His rivalry with Urijah Faber is widely regarded as one of the most memorable in UFC history, with the two fighters battling three times over nearly a decade.
The news marks the end of an era for Cruz, who will now take on a new role as a prominent analyst on UFC broadcasts.
Source: https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/02/06/former-two-time-ufc-champion-announces-retirement-after-injury-plagued-career