Dominick Cruz, the 2-time bantamweight champion and one of the greatest bantamweights of all time, has finally retired. While the fighting realm wanted to watch him fight one last time, a second shoulder dislocation put him out of his retirement fight at UFC 312. And that not only saddened the fight fans, but also Daniel Cormier, Michael Chandler, and Jon Anik. Well, that sadness also came with feelings of respect for the former champ. As the news broke through the fighting community, Anik and the others had a few words to say for Cruz. 

Taking up the microphone at UFC 312, Anik said, “So later this month in Seattle, the former 2-time UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz was to compete in his retirement fight at co-main event against Rob Font. But after a second shoulder dislocation in the last 8 months, this one was pretty significant. Dominick Cruz has called it a career. No man has given more to the sport than Dominick Cruz. Certainly, men have given as much. No man has given more of himself and injuries have been a big part of the narrative.”

Of course, Cruz still has a future in MMA as a commentator. And the current commentating team acknowledged that. Bisping soon joined Anik and congratulated the former bantamweight champ for his legendary career.

‘The Count’ recalled times when he and Cruz went back and forth with each other. And all he had for ‘The Dominator’ was respect. He said, “What Dominick has done in this sport, the people that he has inspired, put in the lower weight divisions, get them on the map, getting them the respect and attention that they deserve. He deserves so much respect. Multiple-time champion. Came back from a year-long layoff, came back and took the title against TJ Dillashaw. I’ve never seen anybody that applies himself so seriously with his craft and so much respect towards the art that we compete in.” 

Cormier was of a similar mind as well. He said, “Yeah he does it all. Dominick Cruz is one of those guys that was far ahead of his time in terms of competitiveness in the competition. The way that he competed and his respect for the sport in MMA. And to watch him go out like that, it’s really sad. But it’s almost like poetic justice, right? Like this guy has dealt with injuries so many times. To think that he would go out on other terms didn’t seem realistic.” 

DC claimed that Cruz was dealt a bad hand with his retirement and urged newcomers to watch Cruz during his prime. Nevertheless, the hype around ‘The Dominator’ was still real. And the anticipation to listen to him speak on the microphone was even greater. Anik ended it all by congratulating the former 2-time bantamweight champion and wishing him the best. But let’s see what ‘The Dominator’ had to say about his retirement. 

Dominick Cruz announces retirement during UFC 312 

Cruz took to X to announce his retirement and addressed all the fans scattered around the world. He shared a few pictures of himself on the hospital bed. In the caption, he wrote, “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. 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.”

He revealed that the second dislocation was far more complex, even though it wasn’t hurting much anymore. However, the gratitude he showed towards the sport and the UFC was immense. He went on to thank the UFC for building a platform that gave him a chance to showcase his abilities. After all, it was the platform that paved the path to success for many athletes including him. 

Cruz even thanked the ones who booked the tickets, hotels, and flights to support him. With a thank you note for all his supporters, Cruz finally signed off and bid farewell to the world of mixed martial arts. 

What are your thoughts on Cruz’s retirement? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.