Dominick Cruz Announces Retirement After Storied Career in MMA
After 25 years in the fight game, Dominick Cruz has officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest 135-pound fighters in history, shared the news in an emotional statement on his IG account, citing multiple shoulder dislocations as the final push to step away from competition.
Cruz’s career was defined by his unique footwork, high fight IQ, and ability to outmaneuver opponents with a style that revolutionized the bantamweight division. A pioneer of the lighter weight classes, he became the WEC bantamweight champion in 2010 before carrying that title over to the UFC, where he became the inaugural 135-pound king. Despite multiple career-threatening injuries, Cruz made several legendary comebacks, reclaiming the UFC title in 2016 with a masterful performance against TJ Dillashaw.
As one of the most respected minds in the sport, Cruz has also built a reputation as a world-class analyst and commentator, bringing the same precision and insight to the broadcast booth that he did inside the Octagon.
In his heartfelt announcement, Cruz addressed his fans and reflected on his journey:
“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.
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, but 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 leaves the sport as one of the most influential figures in MMA history. His legacy in the bantamweight division is unparalleled, and while his time inside the cage has come to an end, his impact on the sport will continue for generations to come.