Dominick Cruz has retired from active competition in mixed martial arts.
The former UFC and WEC bantamweight champion made the announcement on social media on Thursday, just a day after word that an injury had forced him off this month’s UFC Seattle card made the rounds.
Cruz sustained a shoulder injury in training that he ultimately could not overcome in time for his fight with Rob Font on Feb. 22 to go through.
In a heartfelt message, Cruz addressed fans worldwide, writing that “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,” he continued. “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.”
Cruz would go on to thank the UFC, where he hit the peak of his fame, and for whom he is expected to continue to work as an analyst on-air. “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. 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.”
Cruz last competed in a loss to Marlon “Chito” Vera in 2022, and wraps up his career with a record of 24-4. Considered one of the bantamweight greats, he holds wins over Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, and Demetrious Johnson, among a host of others. While his time at the top was cut short due to injury, he still managed to win gold in WEC, carry it over to the UFC, and reclaim the belt a second time after ending his first reign due to injury. He’s also a lock for the promotion’s Hall of Fame.
