""Dominick Cruz is one of the greatest bantamweights in combat sports history," said UFC President & CEO Dana White was quoted as saying in a press released issued in conjunction with Saturday's announcement. "Dominick was an amazing athlete who set the standard for bantamweights, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.""
""The Dominator" began his career in 2005, and was a perfect 9-0 when he ran into Urijah Faber at WEC 27, suffering the first loss of his career. Cruz would go on to claim WEC's 135lb title in 2010, however, defending it twice before the UFC absorbed the smaller promotion. After being promoted to UFC bantamweight champ, Cruz got his revenge on Urijah Faber, then defeated Demetrious Johnson, a future flyweight great, in 2011."
"Mounting injuries forced Cruz to vacate the title, but he would win it back in 2016 by defeating T.J. Dillashaw, then defeated Faber a second time to win the pair's career series. Cruz would lose the title to Cody Garbrandt later that year, and go 2-2 across his final four fights, a run that ended in 2022 and featured more injury setbacks."
Promotion officials announced during the UFC 324 broadcast that Dominick Cruz will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's modern wing in 2026. Cruz compiled a 24-4 record and became a standout in WEC and UFC bantamweight competition. He captured the WEC 135-pound title in 2010, defended it twice, and became UFC bantamweight champion, avenging earlier losses to Urijah Faber and defeating Demetrious Johnson in 2011. Persistent injuries forced Cruz to vacate the title, but he regained the belt in 2016 by beating T.J. Dillashaw. Cruz later lost to Cody Garbrandt and retired following injury setbacks and canceled bouts.
Read at Cageside Press
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