“I was really hopeful for one final fight, but unfortunately, two shoulder dislocations in eight months have brought my career to an end….Thank you to the [UFC] for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others.” These emotional words came from former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz as he officially announced his retirement from MMA. The 39-year-old, known for his remarkable career filled with triumphs and setbacks, last competed in 2022 against Marlon Vera.

Despite a history of injuries and extended layoffs, ‘The Dominator’ had planned to return for a farewell fight against Rob Font at UFC Seattle later this month. However, recurring shoulder issues forced him to withdraw, as his body could no longer endure the demands of the sport. On Michael Bisping’s Believe You Me podcast, Dominick Cruz opened up about his retirement and the injury that sealed his fate. While still recovering, UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby approached him with a fight offer—an opportunity the San Diego native eagerly accepted, determined to step into the Octagon one last time.

However, during training, disaster struck as his shoulder dislocated again, this time more severely than before. Faced with the grim reality of potentially losing full mobility in his arm, Dominick Cruz was forced to rethink his decision. The thought weighed on him: “[If this happens] a couple more times, I might not be able to do that [move my arm at all]. I might only get this high [raising his elbow to shoulder level]. And I still want to have a life. I’m not even 40 yet. Reflecting on that painful moment, he described it as a “find Jesus” realization, forcing him to ask himself, “What’s the price of my arm? 

‘The Dominator’ further added, “Some people say, ‘Go out there, lose the arm, and sacrifice it for the fight,’ but I just didn’t see the money being worth it. Maybe my arm would’ve been worth a few million more. Maybe? I don’t know. But [for] what I’m getting [paid], it wasn’t worth losing the use of my arms. It’s not like my arm was going to fall off, but it would stop working. And you know better than anybody, Bisping, because I sit next to you on these broadcasts, and you deal with a lot of pain from fighting to the death all the time.”

Dominick Cruz’s illustrious career solidified his status as one of the greatest bantamweights in MMA history. He was the final WEC bantamweight champion before the promotion merged with the UFC, where he established himself as a dominant force in the division. At his peak, he amassed a 12-fight win streak and still holds the record for the most title fights in the division, along with two consecutive title defenses. His contributions to the sport and enduring legacy earned widespread recognition, including praise and support from UFC CEO Dana White upon his retirement.

Dana White reacted to Dominick Cruz’s retirement announcement

Like many fans, Dana White fully supports Dominick Cruz’s decision to retire. Throughout his career, ‘The Dominator’ played a pivotal role in elevating the bantamweight division, helping transform it into one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. Given his long history of injuries, White had previously suggested that Cruz consider stepping away from the sport. However, out of respect for the former champion’s desire for one final fight, the UFC granted him a bout against Rob Font.

Unfortunately, another injury forced the American to withdraw, leaving him with no choice but to walk away from the sport for good. Addressing Dominick Cruz’s retirement at the UFC 312 post-fight press conference, White praised his perseverance and unwavering determination. “I’m blown away that he hung in there as long as he did. Who’s been more injured than this guy in his career? It’s fascinating. And the mental drive to just want to keep coming back and trying again, and again, and again after so many surgeries and so many injuries—you’ve got to give it to him. But I’m glad that he finally hung it up.”

What are your thoughts about Dominick Cruz’s retirement? Should the former two-time champion have called it quits earlier, considering the wear and tear on his body? Did his perseverance come at the cost of his long-term health? Share your opinion below!