VINTAGE! Dominick Cruz Survives Early Adversity to Pick Up the Decision Win Over Pedro Munhoz
Follow Us
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.
An absolute SLUGFEST 👊 #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/6ciWeN8ZgG
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Vintage @DominickCruz 😡 #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/yGc1gFEKEj
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
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.
Kamaru Usman Wins Fighter of the Year at the MMA Awards for the Year 2021
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.
Aldo VS Cruz is fight to make
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) December 12, 2021
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
“This Is Just Sad at This Point” – MMA World Erupts as Alex Pereira Embarrasses Anthony Smith in Front of Thousands at UFC 301
May 05, 2024 05:04 PM EDT
Conor McGregor Put on Alert as “Massive” Charles Oliveira’s Physique Stuns Fans at UFC 301 Alongside Alex Pereira – “Moving Up to 170”
May 05, 2024 04:58 AM EDT
Ryan Garcia Leaks Private DM’s in Wild Turn of Events as Conor McGregor Beef Forces UFC Star’s Friend to Step In
May 05, 2024 06:23 AM EDT
Insider Says Mike Tyson Is in the Same Situation as Conor McGregor – “Biggest Fear Is…”
May 04, 2024 08:10 PM EDT
Joe Rogan’s Guest Ends Debate on Ryan Garcia’s Drug Test – “Even if It Was Trace…”
May 05, 2024 07:43 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Can Cruz be more specific on what he wants us to come together about?
— Funky (@Benaskren) December 12, 2021
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: Five Times Sean O’Malley Obliterated His Opponents Inside the Octagon