Dominick Cruz says he has one last fight left in him before hanging up his gloves for good.
The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion has likely seen it all during his storied MMA career. From winning the WEC and UFC titles to becoming a staple of UFC broadcasts as a color commentator and ESPN analyst, Cruz's legacy extends far beyond the Octagon.
"The Dominator's" career has been plagued by persistent injuries that have sidelined him for extended periods. Since losing his title to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207 in December 2016, Cruz has stepped into the Octagon only four times, a stark contrast to his earlier activity.
The 39-year-old Californian has been a professional fighter since January 2005, with his 20th anniversary in combat sports fast approaching. As the milestone nears, Cruz believes he still has the fire to make his final walk to the Octagon, aiming to close out his career in a fitting style.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, "The Dominator" opened up about how he envisions closing the chapter on his career. He revealed that he's been training for his final fight at the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City and feels confident in his readiness.
I think I got a last dance. I got one last dance in me, just to go out there and have fun,” Cruz said. "And when I say 'fun,' I mean ‘fight to the bitter death and see what I have in me.’ The fun comes months after that, and that’s where it gets to set in. Okay, that was fun.
"But I’m ready to walk into the fire again and see what life and death really look like. And one more go at that would be a pleasure. So, I’m building myself up. I’m at altitude, and I’m out here in Mexico City [at the UFC Performance Institute]. Some of the best training I’ve ever had in my whole career.
Cruz's second attempt at reclaiming the 135-pound title came to a crashing halt with a second-round knockout at the hands of Henry Cejudo at UFC 249 in May 2019.
He made a strong comeback in 2021, securing back-to-back victories over Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz. However, his most recent Octagon appearance ended in a devastating fourth-round head-kick knockout by Marlon Vera in August 2022.
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