MMA news: Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz announces retirement
Former WEC and UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has announced his immediate retirement from mixed martial arts.
Cruz was originally set to fight Rob Font in the co–main event of UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song in what would have been his retirement bout.
Unfortunately, an injury forced Cruz to pull out of the February 22 event, and one of the greatest bantamweights of all time has now opted to call time on his Hall of Fame–worthy career.
Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher reports on the story.
Cruz retires amid injury struggles
When it comes to MMA, Cruz is a true pioneer, having helped the bantamweight division grow from nothing into a showcase division within the UFC.
Now, after a string of serious shoulder injuries, The Dominator has announced his retirement with immediate effect in a statement on his Instagram account.
“To the fans worldwide, 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,” he posted.
“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.
“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.”
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Former champ expresses gratitude
During his digital lap of honour, Cruz made sure to highlight the role of the UFC in growing his beloved sport.
“This sport has been everything to me—it’s helped to shape who I am. Thank you to the @ufc for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others,” he said. “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.”
Cruz then ended his farewell post with a heartfelt message to the fans.
“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,” the former champion stated. “Thank you for the love and support. I will carry it with me always. With love, Dominick.”
Shoulder injuries were just the latest in a long line of troubles for Cruz and his body, with the American possibly having the most unfortunate injury record in MMA history.
Yet, while Cruz was robbed of the opportunity to lay down his gloves in the Octagon and bid the fans goodbye, he is certain to remain a prominent figure in the UFC community for a long time to come.
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