Former two-time bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz put on a vintage performance at UFC 269 to earn a nod on the scorecards. Cruz was able to survive an early onslaught from Pedro Munhoz and then bounce back in the subsequent rounds. In fact, Cruz’s output increased over time and he was able to find Pedro Munhoz’s chin at will.

Munhoz has never been stopped in his 26-fight career and his durability was truly tested in the second round. Impressively, Cruz managed to bounce back in the second round after being out-struck with significant strikes in round 1. In the end, all judges scored the fight 29-28 and ‘The Dominator’ walked away with the unanimous decision victory.

Dominick Cruz has shown that he’s still relevant in the bantamweight division despite a long lay-off. He’s now on a two-fight win streak and was able to get the better of a power-puncher in Pedro Munhoz.

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However, his victory wasn’t smooth initially as he was caught up with a slip hook counter that dropped him.

What’s next for Dominick Cruz?

Several MMA fans and fellow fighters took to Twitter and chimed in on Cruz’s vintage performance. The interim bantamweight champion seemed impressed with Cruz’s display and suggested a clash against Jose Aldo next. The fight makes sense, considering both men faced off against their respective opponents just a week apart.

Dominick Cruz’s post-fight interview unfortunately failed to indicate exactly what would be next for the former champion. However, he had some messages of positivity for the crowd and implored everyone to come together as one. Being the perennial troll that he is, Ben Askren took to Twitter and expressed his confusion regarding Cruz’s statement.

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Cruz also thanked referee Marc Goddard for allowing the fight to go on despite the damage he absorbed at the end of round 1. Famously, Cruz publically criticized referee Keith Peterson for stopping his fight against Henry Cejudo back at UFC 249. Cruz also appreciated the Las Vegas commission for the way they handled the build-up to the contest.

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