Retirement is on the horizon for Dominick Cruz, the former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion. You can catch him in action one last time on February 22, 2025, at UFC Seattle. Cruz will face the ninth-ranked fighter, Rob Font, in what he has confirmed will be his final fight.
Recently, during an interview with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen on their ESPN+ show, Cruz opened up about his decision to retire. “I’m gonna do one more,” he stated. It is clear that this fight holds special meaning for him. He has battled many injuries throughout his career, making it important for him to be at his best before stepping back into the octagon.
Throughout his tenure in the UFC, Cruz faced numerous setbacks due to injuries. This has sometimes hindered his chances to establish himself as the greatest Bantamweight of all time. He acknowledged this reality, saying, “When you’re a champion or a number one contender, you’ve got to stay on the line, because people are going to take your spot.” Now, it’s time for him to enjoy his last fight without worrying about a title shot.
Cruz had hoped for a rematch with Henry Cejudo in his final bout. Unfortunately, that match didn’t materialise as Cejudo turned it down. “I wanted the Henry fight. I wanted rematches,” Cruz admitted. Despite being on the same card as Cejudo, Cruz feels that the rematch will never happen, which he finds amusing yet frustrating.
With 39 years under his belt, Cruz has not fought since his knockout loss to Marlon Vera at UFC San Diego in 2022. His return for this last fight is something that fans eagerly await. Although Cruz’s retirement is a significant moment for MMA, many fans will lament the fact that they never got to see Cruz face off against José Aldo.
As the date approaches, excitement continues to build around Cruz’s final performance. You will witness a fighter who loves the sport and remains passionate about competing. “I enjoy fighting,” he remarked, highlighting his intrinsic motivation for stepping into the cage. This love for the sport is what first drew him to it, long before large paydays became common.
This retirement represents a closing chapter not just for Cruz, but also for an era in the Bantamweight division. UFC fans will surely cherish his legacy and the memorable moments he created. So mark your calendars for UFC Seattle, as you won’t want to miss the final chapter of Dominick Cruz’s storied career.
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