Dominick Cruz Retires: Two-Time UFC Champion Ends Career Due to Injury

SEATTLE, Wash. — Two-time UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz announced his retirement on Thursday after withdrawing from his scheduled fight at UFC Seattle due to a reaggravated shoulder injury. Cruz, a pioneer of the bantamweight division, had intended to face Rob Font on Feb. 22 as his final bout but was forced to pull out during fight camp.

Cruz, 39, revealed the injury in a statement to his fans, explaining that two shoulder dislocations in eight months have ended his career. “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,” Cruz wrote. “This sport has been everything to me—it’s helped to shape who I am.”

A true legend of mixed martial arts, Cruz began his career in the WEC, where he won the bantamweight title in 2010 before becoming the UFC’s inaugural champion in 2011. His career was marked by memorable rivalries, including a trilogy with Urijah Faber, and two bantamweight title reigns despite numerous injuries that sidelined him for over six years.

Cruz, known for his remarkable fight IQ and movement, ends his career with a record of 24-4. He holds the second-most title fight wins in UFC bantamweight history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the division. After retiring, he is expected to expand his role as a UFC analyst, bringing his expertise to fans worldwide.

“Thank you to the UFC for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others,” Cruz said. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me through every moment, every victory, and every challenge. I will carry it with me always.”