One of the best bantamweights to ever do it has confirmed he is hanging up his gloves.
Dominick Cruz, universally regarded as being among the finest 135-pound fighters in history, announced on Thursday that he has called time on his two-decade career after sustaining an injury in advance of scheduled bout with Rob Font which was to take place at the UFC event in Seattle later this month.
“To the fans worldwide, I have poured every ounce of myself into this sport for the last 25 years. I was really hopeful for one final fight but unfortunately, two shoulder dislocations in 8 months calls an end to this guy’s career,” Cruz wrote in a message posted to Instagram.
“I gave everything I had and put it into preparation and training for this fight — focusing on my cardio and my body for the past year. But sometimes, the body just doesn’t cooperate. The pain isn’t as bad now that my shoulder is back in place, but the second dislocation was far more complicated than the first.
“This sport has been everything to me—it’s helped to shape who I am.
“Thank you to the UFC for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others. The UFC broke barriers to set the stage not just for us as fighters. Also for every MMA sports organization that followed them across the bridge created throughout politics in order to allow our sport to take place LEGALLY in the United States and now the world.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who booked tickets, hotels, and flights to support me. Thank you all for being there through every moment, every victory, and every challenge. You’ve made this journey unforgettable. Thank you for the love and support. I will carry it with me always.
“With love, Dominick.”
Cruz wraps up his career with a 24-4 record having competed in a remarkable 12 title fights across three different organisations in a career that was blighted by repeated injuries, including a torn ACL, a groin muscle issue, a broken arm in addition to the shoulder dislocations he referenced in his retirement message.
Cruz last fought in August 2022 where he was defeated by Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera.
Among those paying tribute to Cruz was his longtime rival Urijah Faber, who wrote on Instagram in response to Cruz: “Wow! Congrats on a great career brotha! Shared some good times in there. You da man.”
