Ex-UFC champion Dominick Cruz was set to face Rob Front in the co-main event of UFC Seattle but the fighter had to withdraw due to an injury. This wasn’t the only shocking news as the fighter came out a day later to announce his retirement from MMA.
Cruz made this announcement on Thursday via social media. Prior to his matchup with Rob Front, the fighter had not competed since August 2022. He had suffered many injuries through his career and has had to undergo surgeries for a torn ACL in his knee, a torn groin muscle, a broken arm and now a pair of shoulder dislocations that prevented him from returning for one final fight.
“To the fans worldwide. I have poured every ounce of myself into this sport for the last 25 years,” Dominick Cruz wrote. “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.” Dominick Cruz continued. “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.”
Dominick Cruz became a pro fighter in 2005 and started his career out 9-0 before losing to Urijah Faber for the WEC featherweight championship. After the loss, Cruz then went on a 13-fight winning streak including being the WEC and UFC bantamweight champion.
Cruz ended his career with a record of 24-4 and last fought in August of 2022 when he was knocked out by Marlon Vera. Cruz has notable wins over TJ Dillashaw, Urijah Faber, Demetrious Johnson, and Joseph Benavidez among others. His overall career record stands at 24-4.
