Dominick Cruz has his return to the UFC Octagon set.
The former UFC bantamweight champion has been out of action since losing his belt last December to new title holder Cody Garbrandt. Cruz had taken time off to heal up some nagging injuries, including a nasty case of Plantar Fasciitis.
Now, Cruz will step in the cage against #3 ranked Jimmie Rivera at UFC 219 on December 30.
There had been some speculation that Cruz would await the winner of the upcoming title fight between Garbrandt and T.J. Dillashaw, particularly considering Cruz’ personal rivalries with both men.
HOLD UP!
Former champ @DominickCruz returns to face @JimmieRivera135 at #UFC219 @TMobileArena in Vegas | @Cyn_Calvillo faces @CarlaEsparza1 pic.twitter.com/kG4Cy4wxoc
— UFC (@ufc) September 27, 2017
Against Rivera, he’ll meet a hard challenge. Rivera currently rides a twenty fight win streak, with victories over Urijah Faber, Thomas Almeida and Marcus Brimage.
Also at UFC 219 will be up and coming women’s strawweight Cynthia Calvillo, who meets the former 115-pound champion Carla Esparza.
UFC 219 takes place on Dec 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
