Dominick Cruz

Cruz was born in San Diego, California,{{Cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=The Best Version Of Dominick Cruz Is Here |url=https://www.ufc.com/news/the-best-version-of-dominick-cruz-is-here-bantamweight-main-event-ufc-san-diego |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=UFC |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Ivan |date=2022-08-13 |title=San Diegan Dominick Cruz is underdog in hometown fight |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2022/08/13/san-diegan-dominick-cruz-is-underdog-in-hometown-fight/ |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} and is of Mexican descent.{{cite tweet|number=751159574657265664|user=DominickCruz|author=Dominick Cruz|access-date=January 9, 2021|title=I AM MEXICAN myself dummy!}} He lived with his single mother, grandmother, and brother in a trailer park in Tucson for most of his childhood. He started wrestling in seventh grade and competed all through high school out of Flowing Wells High School.{{cite web|title=Dominick Cruz Is Unorthodox and Tough to Hit|url=https://www.liveabout.com/biography-of-dominick-cruz-2308085|access-date=2020-08-04|website=LiveAbout}}{{cite news|first=Victor|last=Matherjan|title=Wrestlers Find Well-Worn Path to U.F.C. Title Bout|work=The New York Times| date= 2016-01-15|access-date=2016-01-18|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/16/sports/tj-dillashaw-dominick-cruz-mma-ufc-main-event.html?_r=0}} After an injury that came in his senior year, he lost the opportunity of receiving a scholarship to wrestle at the University of Northern Colorado.{{Cite web|title=Dominick Cruz - Roadtrip Nation|url=https://roadtripnation.com/leader/dominick-cruz|access-date=2020-08-04|website=roadtripnation.com}} Cruz worked as a customer service representative at Lowe's, and was studying to be a firefighter at community college before becoming a full time fighter.{{cite web| url= https://www.ufc.com/athlete/dominick-cruz| title= Dominick Cruz – Official UFC® Fighter Profile| website= UFC.com| date= 2012-02-27| access-date= 2012-03-03}}

Cruz began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2005, competing in the Rage in the Cage and Total Combat organizations. He amassed a record of 9–0 before joining World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC).{{cite news|title=Dominick Cruz|work=Sherdog|access-date=2016-01-18|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dominick-Cruz-12107}}

His first fight in the WEC was at featherweight at WEC 26 in a title fight against Urijah Faber in which he lost by guillotine choke in the first round.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/wec-26-results-live-from-las-vegas-2|title=WEC 26 results live from Las Vegas|date=March 24, 2007|website=mmaweekly.com}} The fight would become the beginning of a longstanding cantankerous rivalry between the two.{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2643736-ufc-199-the-definitive-timeline-of-the-dominick-cruz-urijah-faber-beef|title=UFC 199: The Definitive Timeline of the Dominick Cruz-Urijah Faber Beef|date=June 2, 2016|work=Bleacher Report|author=Scott Harris}}

File:Dominick-cruz.jpg at the WEC 50 in August 2010]]

He would then make his debut for the WEC's 135 lb bantamweight division on June 7, 2008, at WEC 34 defeating Charlie Valencia by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/wec-34-results-and-live-play-by-play-2|title=WEC 34 results and live play-by-play|date=May 31, 2008|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}

Cruz went on to take decision victories against Ian McCall on January 25, 2009, at WEC 38 and April 5, 2009, Ivan Lopez at WEC 40.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2008/12/two-fights-added-to-wec-38-varner-vs-cerrone-bout-order-set|title=Two fights added to "WEC 38: Varner vs. Cerrone," bout order set|date=December 31, 2008|work=MMAjunkie.com}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/01/wec-38-varner-outlasts-cerrone-in-shortened-defense-faber-dominant-in-co-feature|title=WEC 38: Varner outlasts Cerrone in shortened defense; Faber dominant|date=January 26, 2009|work=MMAjunkie.com|author=John Morgan}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/03/three-fights-added-to-wec-40-torres-vs-mizugaki-bout-order-released|title=Three fights added to "WEC 40: Torres vs. Mizugaki," bout order released|date=March 4, 2009|work=MMAjunkie.com}}

Cruz defeated Joseph Benavidez on August 9, 2009, at WEC 42 by unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors.{{Cite web|url = http://mmajunkie.com/2009/08/wec-42-bonuses-cruz-benavidez-bowles-and-yahya-earn-10k-fight-night-awards|title = WEC 42 bonuses: Cruz, Benavidez, Bowles and Yahya earn $10K "fight night" awards|date = August 10, 2009|access-date = October 9, 2014|website = MMAjunkie.com |last = Morgan|first = John}}

Riding a four-fight win streak, Cruz was presented with a title shot against the reigning WEC Bantamweight Champion Brian Bowles. The bout took place at WEC 47 on March 6, 2010.{{cite news |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/12/brian-bowles-defends-bantamweight-title-against-dominick-cruz-at-wec-47-on-march-6 |title=Brian Bowles defends bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz at WEC 47 on March 6 |website=MMAJunkie.com |date=2009-12-11|access-date=January 9, 2022 }} Cruz won the bout via TKO after Bowles was unable to continue after the second round after breaking his hand. Cruz became the new WEC Bantamweight Champion.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/extra/mma/news/story?id=4972485|title=Injury forces Bowles to quit against Cruz|author=Greg Savage|date=March 6, 2010|work=ESPN}}

Cruz made his first title defense against Joseph Benavidez on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50.{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/cruz-vs-benavidez-for-the-title-in-august-2 |title=Cruz vs Benavidez For The Title In August |website= MMAweekly.com |date=2010-06-08}} Cruz broke his left hand in the fight.{{cite web |url= http://www.cagepotato.com/gross-picture-of-the-day-dominick-cruzs-hand/ | title=Gross Picture of the Day: Dominick Cruz's Hand | work=CagePotato| date=16 January 2017 }} The bout was a rematch of their contest at WEC 42, in which Cruz handed Benavidez his first career loss, via decision. Cruz defeated Benavidez again via split decision and retained his title.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2010/8/18/1630902/wec-50-results-dominick-cruz|title=WEC 50 Results - Dominick Cruz Retains With Decision Over Joseph Benavidez|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=August 18, 2010|work=SB Nation}}

Cruz faced Scott Jorgensen on December 14, 2010, at WEC 53 for both the WEC Bantamweight Championship and the newly created UFC Bantamweight Championship.{{cite web |url= http://mmajunkie.com/news/20809/wec-53-title-doubleheader-features-henderson-vs-pettis-cruz-vs-jorgensen.mma |title= WEC 53 title doubleheader features Henderson vs. Pettis, Cruz vs. Jorgensen |website= MMAJunkie.com |date= 2010-09-27 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100930183512/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20809/wec-53-title-doubleheader-features-henderson-vs-pettis-cruz-vs-jorgensen.mma |archive-date= 2010-09-30 }} This bout would be the final Bantamweight Championship fight under the WEC banner and would also crown the inaugural UFC Bantamweight champion, making this the only UFC title fight to take place outside of the UFC.{{cite web| url= http://arizona.sbnation.com/2010/12/14/1876904/wec-53-dominick-cruz-scott-jorgensen-fight-to-be-first-ufc|title=WEC 53: Dominick Cruz, Scott Jorgensen Fight To Be First UFC Bantamweight Champion|website= SBNation.com| date=December 14, 2010}} Cruz defeated Jorgensen via unanimous decision to retain the WEC Bantamweight Championship and become the first UFC Bantamweight Champion.{{cite web| url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2010/12/wec-53-play-by-play-and-live-results |title= WEC 53 play by play and live results| website= MMAjunkie.com| date= December 17, 2010}}

On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2010/10/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv |title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV |work= MMAJunkie.com |date=October 28, 2010}}

A rematch with Urijah Faber took place on July 2, 2011, at UFC 132 being the first defense of the new UFC Bantamweight title.{{cite web| url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23003/champ-dominick-cruz-vs-urijah-faber-ii-booked-for-ufc-132.mma| title=Champ Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber II booked for UFC 132| website=MMAJunkie.com| date=2011-03-26| access-date=2011-03-26| archive-date=2011-05-20| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520062950/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23003/champ-dominick-cruz-vs-urijah-faber-ii-booked-for-ufc-132.mma| url-status=dead}} In a closely contested fight which saw Faber drop Cruz multiple times with strikes and Cruz landing multiple leg\body kicks, knees and takedowns, Cruz defeated Faber via unanimous decision to retain his championship and avenge the only loss on his record at that time.{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-132-play-by-play-dominick-cruz-vs-urijah-faber |title=UFC 132 Play-by-Play: Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber |website= MMAweekly.com |date=2011-06-30}}{{cite news| last= Iole| first= Kevin| date= 2012-02-26| url= https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=ki-ufc132_cruz_beats_faber_070211| title= UFC 132: Cruz claims rematch over Faber| website= Sports.yahoo.com| access-date= 2012-03-03}}

Cruz defeated Demetrious Johnson via unanimous decision on October 1, 2011, at UFC on Versus 6, his second UFC title defense. Cruz broke his right hand in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://www.alliancegym.com/ufc-quick-quote-dominick-cruz-beat-demetrious-johnson-with-a-broken-hand-video/ | title=UFC Quick Quote: Dominick Cruz Beat Demetrious Johnson With A Broken Hand *VIDEO*}} Cruz was expected to face Urijah Faber for a third time for the UFC bantamweight championship after Faber defeated Brian Bowles at UFC 139 in a bantamweight title eliminator bout.{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Cofield |title=Cruz digs deep to retain his 135-pound title at UFC on Versus 6 |work=Yahoo.com |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=January 9, 2022 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/cruz-digs-deep-retain-135-pound-title-ufc-033018025.html }}

In December 2011, Cruz was selected to coach The Ultimate Fighter: Live against opposing coach Urijah Faber.{{cite web |url= http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/12/06/dominick-cruz-urijah-faber-selected-as-coaches-of-next-ultimate| title= Dominick Cruz, Urijah Faber Selected as Coaches of Next Ultimate Fighter Season |work= MMAFighting.com |date=December 6, 2011}} The rubber match between Cruz and Faber was expected to take place on July 7, 2012, at UFC 148.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27367/champ-dominick-cruz-vs-urijah-faber-iii-targeted-for-ufc-148-in-las-vegas.mma|title=Champ Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber III targeted for UFC 148 in Las Vegas|website=MMAJunkie.com|date=February 10, 2012|access-date=February 10, 2012|archive-date=February 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213010159/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27367/champ-dominick-cruz-vs-urijah-faber-iii-targeted-for-ufc-148-in-las-vegas.mma|url-status=dead}} However, on May 7, 2012, Cruz was forced to pull out of the bout citing a torn ACL.{{cite web |url= http://www.mmaweekly.com/dominick-cruz-injured-out-of-ufc-148|title=Dominick Cruz Injured, Out of UFC 148 |work= MMAWeekly.com |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=May 7, 2012 |access-date= May 7, 2012}}

On December 3, 2012, it was revealed that Cruz underwent another ACL surgery after his body rejected one from a cadaver, with an expected recovery time of six to nine months.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/ufc-champ-dominick-cruzs-return-pushed-back-by-second-acl-surgery|title=UFC Champ Dominick Cruz's Return Pushed Back By Second ACL Surgery| website= MMAJunkie.com| date=2012-12-03}}

Cruz was scheduled to make his return on February 1, 2014, at UFC 169 in a unification bout with interim UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barão.{{cite web| url= http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/jose-aldo-vs-ricardo-lamas-dominick-cruz-vs-renan-barao-set-for-ufc-169|title=Jose Aldo vs. Ricardo Lamas, Dominick Cruz vs. Renan Barao set for UFC 169|website= MMAJunkie.com |access-date= 2013-10-29|date=2013-10-29}} However, on a January 6 episode of SportsCenter, UFC president Dana White announced that Dominick Cruz had torn his groin and vacated the UFC Bantamweight Championship; White promoted Barão to undisputed UFC Bantamweight Champion, and announced that Barão's first unified title defense would be against Urijah Faber at UFC 169.{{cite web| url= https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/10252465/dominick-cruz-ufc-169-groin-injury-vacates-title|title=Dominick Cruz withdraws from fight|website= ESPN.go.com|date=6 January 2014|access-date=2014-01-06}}

After nearly three years away from the sport due to injuries, Cruz returned to the octagon on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178 where he faced Takeya Mizugaki.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/07/dominick-cruz-set-for-return-at-ufc-178-vs-takeya-mizugaki|title=Dominick Cruz set for return at UFC 178 vs. Takeya Mizugaki |website= MMAJunkie.com| date= 2014-07-08|access-date=2014-07-08|last=Erickson|first=Matt}} Cruz won the fight by KO in the first round by punches after getting a takedown.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/ufc-178-results-photos-dominick-cruz-finally-returns-for-quick-tko-of-takeya-mizugaki|title=Dominick Cruz finally returns for quick TKO of Takeya Mizugaki| website= MMAJunkie.com |date= 2014-09-27|access-date=2014-09-27|last=Fowlkes|first=Ben}} The win also earned Cruz his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/ufc-178-bonuses-mcgregor-cruz-romero-kennedy-earn-50000|title=UFC 178 bonuses: McGregor, Cruz, Romero, Kennedy earn $50,000|website= MMAJunkie.com| first= Matt| last= Erickson| access-date= 2014-09-28|date=2014-09-28}} At the post-fight press conference, Dana White confirmed that Cruz's next fight would be for the Bantamweight Championship against T.J. Dillashaw.

Subsequently, on December 22, 2014, Cruz indicated that he had torn the ACL in his other knee, which sidelined him through 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/dominick-cruz-suffers-another-acl-injury-timeline-for-return-unknown-122214|title=Dominick Cruz suffers another ACL injury, timeline for return unknown| website= foxsports.com| first= Damon |last= Martin|access-date=2014-12-22|date=2014-12-22}}

After over four years since his last title fight, Cruz faced T.J. Dillashaw on January 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 81. He regained the title with a split-decision victory.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/ufc-fight-night-81-results-dominick-cruz-regains-title-with-split-over-t-j-dillashaw|title=UFC Fight Night 81 results: Dominick Cruz regains title with split over T.J. Dillashaw| website= MMAJunkie.com | first= Brent| last= Brookhouse|date=2016-01-18|access-date=2016-01-18}} Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Bonuses-Cruz-Dillashaw-Herman-Sanders-Pocket-3650K-Checks-98703|title=UFC Fight Night Bonuses: Cruz, Dillashaw, Herman, Sanders pocket $50K checks| website= sherdog.com| first= Tristen| last= Critchfield|date=2016-01-18|access-date=2016-01-18}} Many have cited the return and victory as one of the greatest comebacks in MMA history.

To complete their trilogy, Cruz defended his title against Urijah Faber on June 4, 2016, at UFC 199. He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web| url= http://mmajunkie.com/2016/06/ufc-199-results-dominant-again-dominick-cruz-retains-135-title-with-decision-over-urijah-faber| title= UFC 199 results: Dominant again, Dominick Cruz retains 135 title with decision over Urijah Faber| website= MMAJunkie.com |date= 2016-06-05}}

Cruz faced Cody Garbrandt on December 30, 2016, at UFC 207. After getting knocked down multiple times during the bout, Cruz lost the bout by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/12/31/14132942/ufc-207-results-cody-garbrandt-stuns-dominick-cruz-for-bantamweight-title|title=UFC 207 results: Cody Garbrandt stuns Dominick Cruz for bantamweight title|last=Doyle|first=Dave|date=2016-12-31|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2016-12-31}} This was the first loss for Cruz in nearly 10 years.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/12/31/14133782/even-in-defeat-dominick-cruz-enjoyed-every-second-of-fight-with-cody-garbrandt|title=Even in defeat, Cruz 'enjoyed every second' of Garbrandt fight|last=Al-Shatti|first=Shaun|date=2016-12-31|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=2016-12-31}} Months later, on The Joe Rogan Experience, Cruz revealed that he was plagued by plantar fascia tendinitis throughout training camp that made it difficult for him to walk at times.{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Dominick-Cruz-Says-Plantar-Fascia-Not-Knee-Hindered-Movement-in-Dillashaw-Bout-98711|title=Dominick Cruz Says Plantar Fascia, Not Knee, Hindered Movement in Dillashaw Bout|date=January 18, 2016|work=Sherdog|author=Tristen Critchfield}}

Cruz was expected to face Jimmie Rivera on December 30, 2017, at UFC 219, however, on November 8, it was reported Cruz suffered a broken arm and he was forced to pull from the card.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/11/8/16626546/dominick-cruz-injured-out-of-ufc-219-fight-vs-jimmie-rivera-mma-news|title=Dominick Cruz injured, out of UFC 219 fight vs. Jimmie Rivera|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2017-11-09}}

Cruz was expected to face John Lineker on January 26, 2019 at UFC 233.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/ufc-233-dominick-cruz-return-vs-john-lineker|title=Dominick Cruz set for return vs. John Lineker at UFC 233 after two-year layoff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2018-12-05|access-date=2018-12-05}} It was reported on December 11, 2018 that Cruz injured his shoulder and pulled out of the fight.{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/12/dominick-cruz-injured-ufc-233-clash-with-john-lineker-in-jeopardy|title=Dominick Cruz injured, UFC 233 clash with John Lineker in jeopardy|date=2018-12-11|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=2018-12-11}} Subsequently, Cruz indicated that he expects to be out of competition for another year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2018/12/17/18145504/ufc-dominick-cruz-injury-expected-sidelined-year-acl-shoulder-mma-news|title=Dominick Cruz expected to be sidelined for a year due to shoulder injury|last=Ordoñez|first=Milan|date=2018-12-17|website=Bloody Elbow|access-date=2018-12-18}}

After more than a 3 year-layoff, Cruz replaced José Aldo and faced Henry Cejudo for the UFC Bantamweight Championship on May 9, 2020 at UFC 249.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/27/21237584/dana-white-defends-dominick-cruz-receiving-title-shot-after-nearly-four-years-off|title=Dana White defends Dominick Cruz receiving title shot after nearly four years off|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=2020-04-27|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29}} Cruz lost via TKO in the second round.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Morgan |last2=Draper |first2=Kevin |title=U.F.C. 249 Live Updates and Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/09/sports/ufc-249-results.html |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=10 May 2020}}

Cruz faced Casey Kenney on March 6, 2021 at UFC 259.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/12/dominick-cruz-casey-kenney-ufc-259-march-bantamweight|title=Ex-champ Dominick Cruz meets Casey Kenney at UFC 259 in March|work=MMA Junkie|author=Mike Bohn, Farah Hannoun|date=December 5, 2020}} He won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-03-06|title=UFC 259 Results: Dominick Cruz Edges Casey Kenney in Very Close Fight|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/03/06/ufc-259-results-dominick-cruz-vs-casey-kenney/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Cruz faced Pedro Munhoz on December 11, 2021 at UFC 269.{{Cite web|last=Shelton|first=Cole|date=2021-09-30|title=Dominick Cruz returns at UFC 269 against top-10 bantamweight Pedro Munhoz|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/dominick-cruz-returns-at-ufc-269-against-top-10-bantamweight-pedro-munhoz/|access-date=2021-09-30|website={{!}} BJPenn.com|language=en-US}} He won the fight via unanimous decision despite getting knocked down twice during the opening round.{{Cite web|last=Behunin|first=Alex|date=2021-12-11|title=UFC 269: Dominick Cruz Survives Near-Finish, Then Styles On Pedro Munhoz|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/12/11/ufc-269-dominick-cruz-gets-hurt-styles-pedro-munhoz-win-unanimous-decision/|access-date=2021-12-13|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}} The bout earned the Fight of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|author=Newswire|date=2021-12-12|title=UFC 269 bonuses: Dana White feeling generous, 8 fighters get $50,000 checks|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/12/12/22830255/ufc-269-bonuses-dana-white-feeling-generous-8-fighters-get-50000-checks|access-date=2021-12-12|publisher=mmafighting.com}}

Cruz faced Marlon Vera on August 13, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 41.{{cite web |author=Alexander K. Lee |date=2022-06-18 |title=Dominick Cruz vs. Marlon Vera headlines Aug. 13 UFC event in San Diego |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/6/18/23156236/dominick-cruz-vs-marlon-vera-headlines-aug-13-ufc-event-in-san-diego |access-date=2022-06-18 |publisher=mmafighting.com}} He lost the fight by knockout via a head kick in round four.{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2022-08-13 |title=UFC San Diego: Marlon Vera Puts Down Dominick Cruz with Blistering Head Kick |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/08/13/ufc-san-diego-marlon-vera-vs-dominick-cruz/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Retirement

After over a two year absence, Cruz was scheduled to face Rob Font on February 22, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 252 for his retirement fight.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-06 |title=Report - Dominick Cruz Books Fighting Return In UFC Seattle Co Main Event In February |url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/dominick-cruz-books-fight-return-at-ufc-seattle/ |author=Ross Markey|access-date=2025-01-06 |website=www.lowkickmma.com |language=en-US}} However, Cruz withdrew from the fight due to a shoulder injury, and announced his retirement from competition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2025/2/5/24359760/not-again-former-two-time-champ-dominick-cruz-out-of-retirement-fight-with-injury-ufc-seattle|title=Not again! Former two-time champ Dominick Cruz out of retirement fight with injury|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Alexander Behunin|date=2025-02-05|access-date=2025-02-05}}{{Cite web |last=Meshew |first=Jed |date=2025-02-06 |title=Dominick Cruz announces retirement after withdrawing from UFC Seattle: ‘Sometimes the body just doesn’t cooperate’ |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/2/6/24360517/dominick-cruz-announces-retirement-withdrawing-ufc-seattle-sometimes-the-body-just-doesnt-cooperate |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Considered to be one of the best MMA fighters of his generation, Cruz combines constant lateral motion with precise, in-and-out striking.{{cite news| first= Jack| last= Slack|title=Dominick Cruz: Breaking the Rules of Thumb| work= Fightland| date= 2015-09-25| access-date= 2016-01-18|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/dominick-cruz-breaking-the-rules-of-thumb/}} Known as one of the most agile fighters in MMA, he is noted for his quick footwork, head movement, and use of feints. He often attacks with combinations, step-in jabs, and single strikes thrown from all angles. In addition to his striking, Cruz has extensive training in amateur wrestling.

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• UFC Bantamweight Championship (Two times; inaugural)
• Three successful title defenses (two during first reign, one during second reign)
• Tied (Aljamain Sterling & T.J. Dillashaw) for most title defenses in UFC Bantamweight division history (3)
• Tied (Aljamain Sterling & Renan Barao) for second most title fight wins in UFC Bantamweight division history (4){{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=BW|title=UFC Bantamweight - Leaders|author=UFC|date=August 18, 2023|publisher=UFC}}
• Tied (T.J. Dillashaw) for second most consecutive title defenses in UFC Bantamweight division history (2)
• Fight of the Night (Four times) vs. Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, Cody Garbrandt and Pedro Munhoz.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Bonuses-Cruz-Dillashaw-Herman-Sanders-Pocket-3650K-Checks-98703|title=UFC Fight Night 81 bonuses: Cruz, Dillashaw, Herman, Sanders pocket $50K checks| website= sherdog.com| date=2016-01-17}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-207-Bonuses-Nunes-Garbrandt-Cruz-Garcia-Receive-3650K-Awards-115563|title=UFC 207 bonuses: Nunes, Garbrandt, Cruz, Garcia receive $50K awards| website= sherdog.com| date=2016-12-30}}
• Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Takeya Mizugaki{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-178-Bonuses-McGregor-Cruz-Romero-Kennedy-Earn-3650K-Rewards-74737|title=UFC 178 bonuses: McGregor, Cruz, Romero, Kennedy earn $50K rewards| website= sherdog.com| date=2014-09-27}}
• Longest single title reign in UFC Bantamweight division history by number of days (1,117)
• Longest combined title reign in UFC Bantamweight division history by number of days (1,465)
• Most title wins in UFC/WEC Bantamweight division history (7){{Cite web |title=Bantamweights |url=https://www.fightmatrix.com/lineal-championship-histories/bantamweights/ |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Fight Matrix |language=en-US}}
• Tied (Aljamain Sterling) for most wins in UFC/WEC Bantamweight division history (14){{Cite web |date=2021-12-12 |title=UFC 269 post-event facts: Charles Oliveira, Julianna Pena make history with title-fight wins |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-269-post-event-facts-charles-oliveira-julianna-pena-history-title-fight-wins |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}
• Most takedowns landed in UFC/WEC Bantamweight division history (55){{Cite web |date=2022-08-14 |title=UFC on ESPN 41 post-event facts: Marlon Vera crafting a special resume |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-on-espn-41-post-event-facts-marlon-chito-vera-most-finishes-records-history |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}
• UFC.com Awards
• 2011: Import of the Year,{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-import-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Import of the Year|date=January 2, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} Ranked #10 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-fighter-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Fighter of the Year|date=January 9, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #4 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Urijah Faber 2}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-fight-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Fight of the Year|date=January 8, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2016: Ranked #4 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-10-best-fighters-2016|title=Top 10 - The Best Fighters of 2016|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 23, 2016|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• World Extreme Cagefighting
• WEC Bantamweight Championship (One time, final)
• Two successful title defenses
• Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Joseph Benavidez{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2009/08/10/wec-42-bonuses-and-awards-for-bowles-vs-torres-on-aug-9|title=WEC 42 bonuses and awards| website= MMAMania.com| date=2009-08-10}}
• Total Combat
• Total Combat Lightweight Championship
• Total Combat Featherweight Championship
• USA Today
• 2010 Fighter of the Year
• World MMA Awards
• 2014 Comeback Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2015/01/2014-world-mma-award-winners-lawler-rousey-gastelum-mcgregor-ufc-mmajunkie|title=2014 World MMA Awards winners: Lawler, Rousey, Gastelum, McGregor, UFC, MMAjunkie|date=January 31, 2015|work=MMAjunkie.com}}
• 2015 Analyst of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/5/10924620/world-mma-awards-2016-results|title=World MMA Awards 2016 Results|date=February 5, 2016|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Bryan Tucker}}
• 2016 Analyst of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/3/2/14785422/world-mma-awards-2017-results|title=World MMA Awards 2017 Results|date=March 2, 2017|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Bryan Tucker}}
• 2017 Analyst of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/7/3/17532430/world-mma-awards-2018-results|title=World MMA Awards 2018 Results|date=July 4, 2018|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Bryan Tucker}}

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 7

| sub-wins= 1

| dec-wins= 16

| ko-losses= 2

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-losses= 1

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|24–4

|Marlon Vera

|KO (head kick)

|UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz

|{{dts|2022|August|13}}

|align=center|4

|align=center|2:17

|San Diego, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|24–3

|Pedro Munhoz

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 269

|{{dts|2021|December|11}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|23–3

|Casey Kenney

|Decision (split)

|UFC 259

|{{dts|2021|March|6}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|22–3

|Henry Cejudo

|TKO (knee and punches)

|UFC 249

|{{dts|2020|May|9}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:58

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|{{small|For the UFC Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|22–2

|Cody Garbrandt

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 207

|{{dts|2016|December|30}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Lost the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|22–1

|Urijah Faber

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 199

|{{dts|2016|June|4}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Inglewood, California, United States

|{{small|Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|21–1

|T.J. Dillashaw

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz

|{{dts|2016|January|17}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Boston, Massachusetts, United States

|{{small|Won the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 20–1

| Takeya Mizugaki

| KO (punches)

| UFC 178

| {{dts|2014|September|27}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:01

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 19–1

| Demetrious Johnson

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson

| {{dts|2011|October|1}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Washington D.C., United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Cruz vacated the title on January 6, 2014 due to recurring injuries.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 18–1

| Urijah Faber

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 132

| {{dts|2011|July|2}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 17–1

| Scott Jorgensen

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 53

| {{dts|2010|December|16}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Glendale, Arizona, United States

| {{small|Defended the WEC Bantamweight Championship. Won the inaugural UFC Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–1

| Joseph Benavidez

| Decision (split)

| WEC 50

| {{dts|2010|August|18}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Defended the WEC Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–1

| Brian Bowles

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| WEC 47

| {{dts|2010|March|6}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Columbus, Ohio, United States

| {{small|Won the WEC Bantamweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–1

| Joseph Benavidez

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 42

| {{dts|2009|August|9}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–1

| Iván López

| Technical Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 40

| {{dts|2009|April|5}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 3:24

| Chicago, Illinois, United States

| {{small|Lopez was unable to continue after an unintentional knee on the ground by Cruz.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–1

| Ian McCall

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 38

| {{dts|2009|January|25}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| San Diego, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–1

| Charlie Valencia

| Decision (unanimous)

| WEC 34

| {{dts|2008|June|1}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Sacramento, California, United States

| {{small|Bantamweight debut.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–1

| Kenneth Aimes

| KO (punches)

| Total Combat 27

| {{dts|2008|March|22}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| N/A

| Yuma, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 9–1

| Urijah Faber

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| WEC 26

| {{dts|2007|March|24}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:38

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|For the WEC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–0

| Shad Smith

| Decision (unanimous)

| Total Combat 18

| {{dts|2006|November|4}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| San Diego, California, United States

| {{small|Featherweight debut. Won the vacant Total Combat Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–0

| Juan Miranda

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Total Combat 16

| {{dts|2006|September|9}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:00

| San Diego, California, United States

| {{small|Won the vacant Total Combat Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–0

| Dave Hisquierdo

| Decision (split)

| Total Combat 15

| {{dts|2006|July|15}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| San Diego, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–0

| Michael Barney

| TKO (punches)

| Rage in the Cage 79

| {{dts|2006|February|24}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:45

| Tucson, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–0

| Nick Hedrick

| Decision (unanimous)

| Rage in the Cage 75

| {{dts|2005|September|30}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 2:00

| Glendale, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0

| Josh Donahue

| TKO (punches)

| Rage in the Cage 74

| {{dts|2005|September|10}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:09

| Casa Grande, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Tom Schwager

| TKO (punches)

| Rage in the Cage 73

| {{dts|2005|August|6}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:56

| Glendale, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Rosco McClellan

| TKO (punches)

| Rage in the Cage 70

| {{dts|2005|June|11}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 1:26

| Glendale, Arizona, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Eddie Castro

| Decision (split)

| Rage in the Cage 67

| {{dts|2005|January|29}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 3:00

| Phoenix, Arizona, United States

|

{{end}}

{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dominick-Cruz-12107|title=Dominick|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-12-12}}

• List of male mixed martial artists
• List of UFC champions
• List of UFC records
• List of UFC bonus award recipients
• List of UFC events

{{reflist|35em}}

• [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/dominick-cruz UFC Profile]
• {{Sherdog|12107}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Brian Bowles}}

{{s-ttl|title= 5th WEC Bantamweight Champion|years=March 6, 2010 – December 16, 2010}}

{{S-aft|after=Became UFC Champion}}

{{S-new|title}}

{{S-ttl|title=1st UFC Bantamweight Champion|years=December 16, 2010 – January 6, 2014
Vacated}}

{{s-aft|after=Renan Barão
Promoted}}

{{s-bef|before=T.J. Dillashaw}}

{{s-ttl|title=4th UFC Bantamweight Champion|years=January 17, 2016 – December 30, 2016}}

{{s-aft|after=Cody Garbrandt}}

{{end}}

{{UFC Bantamweight Championship}}

{{WEC Bantamweight Championship}}

{{UFC Bantamweight Rankings}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cruz, Dominick}}

Category:Living people

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists from California

Category:American mixed martial artists of Mexican descent

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial arts broadcasters

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions

Category:World Extreme Cagefighting champions

Category:Martial artists from Tucson, Arizona

Category:Sportspeople from Chula Vista, California

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:1985 births