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Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is preparing for what he hopes will be his final walk to the octagon. The 39-year-old veteran recently revealed his aspirations for a farewell fight early in 2025, sharing his perspective on closing the chapter of his illustrious yet injury-marred career.
“I’ll tell you, I think I got a last dance, I want one last dance in me,” Cruz told TMZ. “Just go out there and have fun, 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. That’s when it gets to set in and be like, ‘OK, that was fun.’”
Cruz, who first entered the UFC as its 135-pound champion in 2011, has faced significant adversity, competing only 10 times in the promotion due to recurring injuries. Despite the setbacks, his resilience and skill have solidified his place among the bantamweight division’s elite. Cruz began his UFC tenure with five consecutive wins, including two successful title defenses and a remarkable comeback to reclaim the belt after extended layoffs.
In his last appearance, Cruz headlined UFC San Diego in August 2022, where he suffered a fourth-round knockout loss to Marlon Vera. Since then, the former champ has been eager to return but admitted that 2023 did not offer the right opportunities.
“I wanted to get after it this year but it’s not looking like a matchup is getting negotiated exactly right the way that it is,” Cruz explained. “There’s some guys out there that have looked really good. The whole division is stacked, so it’s been incredible to be a part of that division. But probably early next year is what’s going to work and line up.”
As Cruz looks ahead to his final octagon appearance, fans eagerly anticipate seeing one of the sport’s most cerebral and technically gifted fighters compete once more. While his body may have endured its share of wear and tear, Cruz’s legacy as a two-time champion and one of MMA’s greatest minds is already secure.
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