Dominick Cruz’s final fight was not meant to be. The former UFC bantamweight champion was forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Rob Font in UFC Seattle due to a dislocated shoulder suffered during training. At the age of 39, Cruz announced his retirement from MMA shortly after the cancellation of the fight.
In an interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Cruz opened up about his decision to retire and the challenges he faced in coming to terms with it. Despite the disappointment of not being able to compete in his final fight, Cruz emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being over pursuing a title shot.
The injury to Cruz’s shoulder occurred during grappling training, causing excruciating pain and a lengthy recovery process. While surgery may be an option to prevent future dislocations, Cruz is currently able to use his arm without undergoing the procedure.
Reflecting on his career, Cruz acknowledged the sacrifices he made to compete at the highest level of MMA and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had in the sport. Although he will no longer be stepping into the Octagon, Cruz remains committed to his martial arts practice and embracing the next chapter of his life outside of fighting. Despite no longer competing at the highest level, I am still deeply involved in the sport. I made the decision to step away from fighting so that I can continue to train, work with athletes, stay active, and remain a dangerous force in the sport. For me, being dangerous is essential, and I have no intention of retiring and letting myself go. My brain is wired to stay sharp and focused.
My peers in the MMA world have shown me immense support and admiration since my retirement. While I have received praise for my career achievements, accepting compliments has been a challenge for me. I am a harsh critic of myself and rarely watch my own fights because of it. I struggle with feeling like I let people down and constantly judge myself. It’s a process to see myself through others’ eyes and recognize that I am deserving of praise and joy in my life.
Throughout my MMA career, I won seven major championship fights and formed rivalries with notable opponents, such as Urijah Faber. Despite past animosities, even my rivals have wished me well in my post-retirement life. It’s heartening to receive messages of support from fellow fighters like T.J. Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson, as well as other athletes like F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and comedian Theo Von.
While some critics, like Henry Cejudo, may question my ability to train consistently for MMA, I remain steadfast in my belief in myself. I have faced criticism throughout my career and have always persevered. My legacy in MMA is shaped by my unique journey, including my injuries and layoffs, which have only served to enhance my accomplishments. A fighter returning from multiple serious injuries to reclaim the UFC title is a feat that may never be duplicated. Dominick Cruz, the UFC’s first bantamweight champion, achieved this remarkable comeback despite facing three ACL tears and a quad tear. However, for Cruz, the true highlight of his legacy isn’t the victory itself, but the realization that he didn’t need the championship belt to find happiness.
In a poignant interview following his win over Dillashaw in 2016, Cruz revealed that the best moment of his life was when he understood that true happiness is a choice, not dependent on external accolades. Despite battling depression and being on antidepressants during his training camp, Cruz was able to overcome his struggles and emerge victorious. This experience taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of mental wellbeing.
Nearly a decade later, Cruz continues to inspire with his resilience and openness about his mental health journey. He credits fighting for bringing him back to sobriety and helping him appreciate the joy of life. Through his struggles, Cruz has learned valuable tools that have allowed him to maintain his mental health without the need for antidepressants.
In the end, Cruz’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. Despite facing numerous challenges, he has emerged stronger and wiser, proving that true happiness comes from within. Cruz’s journey serves as a reminder that even the strongest individuals face hardships, but it is their ability to overcome them that truly defines their character. text:
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