Dominick Cruz (born March 9, 1985) is an American professional
mixed martial artist
Mixed martial arts (MMA), sometimes referred to as cage fighting, no holds barred (NHB), and ultimate fighting, and originally referred to as Vale Tudo is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorpo ...
. He currently competes in the
Bantamweight
Bantamweight is a weight class in combat sports. For boxing, the range is above and up to . In kickboxing, a bantamweight fighter generally weighs between . In MMA, bantamweight is .
The name for the class is derived from bantam chickens. Bra ...
division in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
(UFC), where he is a former two-time
UFC Bantamweight Champion. Cruz has also competed for
World Extreme Cagefighting
World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) was an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion founded in 2001. It was purchased by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in 2006. In its final incarnation, it was mad ...
(WEC), and was the promotions final
WEC Bantamweight Champion. As of December 6, 2022, he is #7 in the
UFC bantamweight rankings.
Cruz is noted for his unorthodox movement, powerful wrestling base, quick striking, and his tendency to attack from angles in a fashion unlike any other fighter on the UFC roster.
He won the WEC bantamweight title in March 2010, and won the inaugural UFC Bantamweight Championship the following December. After defending the belt twice in 2011, Cruz was sidelined by injuries in 2012 and subsequently stripped of the title in 2014. On January 17, 2016, he regained the bantamweight championship with a split-decision win over
T.J. Dillashaw. Numerous media outlets called this victory the greatest comeback story in MMA history.
Early life
Cruz was born in
San Diego, California
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United Stat ...
, and is of Mexican descent. He lived with his single mother, grandmother, and brother in a trailer park in
Tucson
, "(at the) base of the black ill
, nicknames = "The Old Pueblo", "Optics Valley", "America's biggest small town"
, image_map =
, mapsize = 260px
, map_caption = Interactive map ...
for most of his childhood. He started
wrestling
Wrestling is a series of combat sports involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. Wrestling techniques have been incorporated into martial arts, combat s ...
in
seventh grade
Seventh grade (or grade seven) is a year or level of education. The seventh grade is the eighth school year, the second or third year of middle school, and the first year of junior high school. Students are around 13-14 years old in this stage of ...
and competed all through high school out of
Flowing Wells High School
Flowing Wells High School (est. 1954) is a secondary school in Tucson, Arizona. It is the primary high school in the Flowing Wells Unified School District, the other being Sentinel Peak High School.
Curriculum
Flowing Wells offers several AP c ...
.
After an injury that came in his
senior year, he lost the opportunity of receiving a scholarship to
wrestle
Wrestling is a series of combat sports involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. Wrestling techniques have been incorporated into martial arts, combat sports ...
at the
University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a public university in Greeley, Colorado. The university was founded in 1889 as the State Normal School of Colorado and has a long history in teacher education. The institution has officially changed ...
. Cruz worked as a customer service representative at
Lowe's
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (), often shortened to Lowe's, is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada. A ...
, and was studying to be a
firefighter
A firefighter is a first responder and rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property, and the environment as well as to rescue people and in some cases or jurisdictions als ...
at
community college
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries: many community colleges have an "open enrollment" for students who have graduated from high school (also known as senior s ...
before becoming a full time fighter.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Cruz began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2005, competing in the Rage in the Cage and Total Combat organizations. He amassed a record of 9–0 before joining
World Extreme Cagefighting
World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) was an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion founded in 2001. It was purchased by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in 2006. In its final incarnation, it was mad ...
(WEC).
World Extreme Cagefighting
His first fight in the WEC was at
featherweight
Featherweight is a weight class in the combat sports of boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and Greco-Roman wrestling.
Boxing
Professional boxing
History
A featherweight boxer weighs in at a limit of . In the early days of the division, th ...
at
WEC 26 in a title fight against
Urijah Faber in which he lost by guillotine choke in the first round. The fight would become the beginning of a longstanding cantankerous rivalry between the two.
![Dominick-cruz](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Dominick-cruz.jpg)
He would then make his debut for the WEC's 135 lb
bantamweight
Bantamweight is a weight class in combat sports. For boxing, the range is above and up to . In kickboxing, a bantamweight fighter generally weighs between . In MMA, bantamweight is .
The name for the class is derived from bantam chickens. Bra ...
division on June 7, 2008, at
WEC 34 defeating
Charlie Valencia by unanimous decision.
Cruz went on to take decision victories against
Ian McCall on January 25, 2009, at
WEC 38 and April 5, 2009, Ivan Lopez at
WEC 40.
Cruz defeated
Joseph Benavidez
Joseph Rolando Benavidez (born July 31, 1984) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Flyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Background
Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in Sa ...
on August 9, 2009, at
WEC 42 by unanimous decision. Both participants were awarded ''Fight of the Night'' honors.
WEC Bantamweight Championship
Riding a four-fight win streak, Cruz was presented with a title shot against the reigning WEC Bantamweight Champion
Brian Bowles. The bout took place at
WEC 47 on March 6, 2010. Cruz won the bout via TKO after Bowles was unable to continue after the second round after breaking his hand. Cruz became the new
WEC Bantamweight Champion.
Cruz made his first title defense against
Joseph Benavidez
Joseph Rolando Benavidez (born July 31, 1984) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Flyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Background
Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in Sa ...
on August 18, 2010, at
WEC 50. Cruz broke his left hand in the fight.
The bout was a rematch of their contest at
WEC 42, in which Cruz handed Benavidez his first career loss, via decision. Cruz defeated Benavidez again via split decision and retained his title.
Cruz faced
Scott Jorgensen on December 14, 2010, at
WEC 53 for both the WEC Bantamweight Championship and the newly created
UFC Bantamweight Championship
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champions are fighters who have won UFC championships.
Historical notes
At the time of the UFC's inception in 1993, mixed martial arts was not sanctioned in the United States, and did not include weight class ...
. This bout would be the final Bantamweight Championship fight under the WEC banner and would also crown the inaugural UFC Bantamweight champion, making this the only UFC title fight to take place outside of the UFC. Cruz defeated Jorgensen via unanimous decision to retain the
WEC Bantamweight Championship
This is a list of World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) champions at each weight class.
In December 2006 World Extreme Cagefighting was bought by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the UFC, to concentrate on the four smaller weight classes under the ...
and become the first
UFC Bantamweight Champion.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Bantamweight Championship
On October 28, 2010,
World Extreme Cagefighting
World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) was an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion founded in 2001. It was purchased by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in 2006. In its final incarnation, it was mad ...
merged with the
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
(UFC). As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.
A rematch with
Urijah Faber took place on July 2, 2011, at
UFC 132 132 may refer to:
*132 (number)
*AD 132
*132 BC
__NOTOC__
Year 132 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. At the time it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Laenas and Rupilius (or, less frequently, year 622 ''Ab urbe condita'') ...
being the first defense of the new UFC Bantamweight title. In a closely contested fight which saw Faber drop Cruz multiple times with strikes and Cruz landing multiple leg\body kicks, knees and takedowns, Cruz defeated Faber via unanimous decision to retain his championship and avenge the only loss on his record at that time.
Cruz defeated
Demetrious Johnson via unanimous decision on October 1, 2011, at
UFC on Versus 6, his second UFC title defense. Cruz broke his right hand in the first round.
Cruz was expected to face Urijah Faber for a third time for the UFC bantamweight championship after Faber defeated
Brian Bowles at
UFC 139 139 may refer to:
* 139 (number), an integer
* AD 139, a year of the Julian calendar
* 139 BC, a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar
* 139 (New Jersey bus)
See also
* 139th (disambiguation) 139th may refer to:
* 139th (Northumberland) Battal ...
in a bantamweight title eliminator bout.
String of injuries
In December 2011, Cruz was selected to coach ''
The Ultimate Fighter: Live'' against opposing coach
Urijah Faber. The rubber match between Cruz and Faber was expected to take place on July 7, 2012, at
UFC 148 148 may refer to:
*148 (number), a natural number
*AD 148, a year in the 2nd century AD
*148 BC, a year in the 2nd century BC
*148 (album), an album by C418
*148 (Meiktila) Battery Royal Artillery
*148 (New Jersey bus) 148 may refer to:
*148 (numb ...
. However, on May 7, 2012, Cruz was forced to pull out of the bout citing a torn ACL.
On December 3, 2012, it was revealed that Cruz underwent another ACL surgery after his body rejected one from a cadaver, with an expected recovery time of six to nine months.
Cruz was scheduled to make his return on February 1, 2014, at
UFC 169 in a unification bout with
interim UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barão
Renan Mota do Nascimento Pegado (born 31 January 1987), better known as Renan Barão, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and the former UFC Bantamweight Champion. He held one of the longest unbeaten streaks in MMA history - follo ...
. However, on a January 6 episode of ''
SportsCenter
''SportsCenter'' (SC) is a daily sports news television show, television program that serves as the flagship program and brand of United States, American cable television, cable and satellite television television network, network ESPN. The show ...
'', UFC president Dana White announced that Dominick Cruz had torn his groin and vacated the UFC Bantamweight Championship; White promoted Barão to undisputed UFC Bantamweight Champion, and announced that Barão's first unified title defense would be against
Urijah Faber at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
169.
After nearly three years away from the sport due to injuries, Cruz returned to the octagon on September 27, 2014, at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
178 where he faced
Takeya Mizugaki
(born December 16, 1983) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist who most notably competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor from 2005 to 2020, Mizugaki also competed for Absolute ...
. Cruz won the fight by KO in the first round by punches after getting a takedown. The win also earned Cruz his first ''Performance of the Night'' bonus award. At the post-fight press conference, Dana White confirmed that Cruz's next fight would be for the Bantamweight Championship against
T.J. Dillashaw.
Subsequently, on December 22, 2014, Cruz indicated that he had torn the
ACL in his other knee, which sidelined him through 2015.
Regaining the championship
After over four years since his last title fight, Cruz faced
T.J. Dillashaw on January 17, 2016, at
UFC Fight Night 81
''UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz'' (also known as ''UFC Fight Night 81'') was a mixed martial arts event held on January 17, 2016, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Background
A UFC Bantamweight Championship bout between defending ...
. He regained the title with a split-decision victory. Both participants were awarded ''Fight of the Night'' honors. Many have cited the return and victory as one of the greatest comebacks in MMA history.
To complete their trilogy, Cruz defended his title against
Urijah Faber on June 4, 2016, at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
199. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Injuries and losing the title
Cruz faced
Cody Garbrandt
Cody Garbrandt (born July 7, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Garbrandt is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion.
...
on December 30, 2016, at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
207. After getting knocked down multiple times during the bout, Cruz lost the bout by unanimous decision. This was the first loss for Cruz in nearly 10 years. Months later, on
The Joe Rogan Experience
''The Joe Rogan Experience'' is a podcast hosted by American comedian, presenter, and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan. It launched on December 24, 2009, on YouTube by Rogan and comedian Brian Redban, who was its sole co-host and producer unti ...
, Cruz revealed that he was plagued by
plantar
Standard anatomical terms of location are used to unambiguously describe the anatomy of animals, including humans. The terms, typically derived from Latin or Greek roots, describe something in its standard anatomical position. This position prov ...
fascia tendinitis
Tendinopathy, a type of tendon disorder that results in pain, swelling, and impaired function. The pain is typically worse with movement. It most commonly occurs around the shoulder (rotator cuff tendinitis, biceps tendinitis), elbow (tennis elbo ...
throughout training camp that made it difficult for him to walk at times.
Cruz was expected to face
Jimmie Rivera
Jimmie Ernesto Rivera (born June 29, 1989) is an American professional mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer, currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Prior to signing with BKFC, Rivera competed in the UFC's Bantamwei ...
on December 30, 2017, at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
219
__NOTOC__
Year 219 ( CCXIX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Antonius and Sacerdos (or, less frequently, year 972 '' ...
, however, on November 8, it was reported Cruz suffered a broken arm and he was forced to pull from the card.
Cruz was expected to face
John Lineker
John Lineker (born June 12, 1990), is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently signed to ONE Championship, where he is the former ONE Bantamweight World Champion. Lineker formerly competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting ...
on January 26, 2019 at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
233. It was reported on December 11, 2018 that Cruz injured his shoulder and pulled out of the fight. Subsequently, Cruz indicated that he expects to be out of competition for another year.
After more than a 3 year-layoff, Cruz replaced
José Aldo
José Aldo da Silva Oliveira Júniorhttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/CI3oOc0VAAAr_iv.jpg (, born 9 September 1986), commonly anglicized as Jose Aldo, is a retired Brazilian professional mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist. He last competed i ...
and faced
Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo (born February 9, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler. He is the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight Champion and Bantamweight Champion. He is the fourth UFC fighter to h ...
for the
UFC Bantamweight Championship
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champions are fighters who have won UFC championships.
Historical notes
At the time of the UFC's inception in 1993, mixed martial arts was not sanctioned in the United States, and did not include weight classe ...
on May 9, 2020 at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
249. Cruz lost via TKO in the second round.
Cruz faced
Casey Kenney
Casey James Kenney (born March 20, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist. He is currently competing in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and he was the former Tachi Palace Fights Flyweight champion and L ...
on March 6, 2021 at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
259. He won the fight via split decision.
Cruz faced
Pedro Munhoz
Pedro Munhozhttp://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2014_Results/02-22-14MMA.pdf (born September 7, 1986) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently fighting in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Champion ...
on December 11, 2021 at
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
269. He won the fight via unanimous decision despite getting knocked down twice during the opening round. The bout earned the
Fight of the Night bonus award.
Cruz was scheduled to face
Marlon Vera
Marlon Andres Vera Delgado (born December 2, 1992) is an Ecuadorian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Vera first appeared on '' The Ultimate Fight ...
on August 13, 2022 at
UFC on ESPN
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
41.
He lost the fight by knockout via a head kick in round four.
Fighting style
Considered to be one of the best MMA fighters of his generation, Cruz combines constant lateral motion with precise, in-and-out striking.
Known as one of the most agile fighters in MMA, he is noted for his quick footwork, head movement, and use of feints. He often attacks with combinations, step-in jabs, and single strikes thrown from all angles.[ In addition to his striking, Cruz has extensive training in amateur wrestling.][
]
Championships and accomplishments
*Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
**UFC Bantamweight Championship
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champions are fighters who have won UFC championships.
Historical notes
At the time of the UFC's inception in 1993, mixed martial arts was not sanctioned in the United States, and did not include weight classe ...
(Two times; inaugural)
***Three successful title defenses (two during first reign, one during second reign)
** Fight of the Night (Four times) vs. Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, Cody Garbrandt
Cody Garbrandt (born July 7, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Garbrandt is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion.
...
and Pedro Munhoz
Pedro Munhozhttp://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2014_Results/02-22-14MMA.pdf (born September 7, 1986) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently fighting in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Champion ...
.
**Performance of the Night
UFC Bonus Awards are three separate cash bonuses usually awarded to four fighters after each UFC event, based on internal decisions by UFC management. More/fewer bonuses have been awarded at some events, especially when no knockouts or submissions ...
(One time) vs. Takeya Mizugaki
(born December 16, 1983) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist who most notably competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor from 2005 to 2020, Mizugaki also competed for Absolute ...
**Most wins in UFC/WEC Bantamweight History (14)
**Tied with T.J. Dillashaw for the most consecutive Bantamweight title defenses in UFC history. - (2)
*World Extreme Cagefighting
World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) was an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion founded in 2001. It was purchased by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in 2006. In its final incarnation, it was mad ...
**WEC Bantamweight Championship
This is a list of World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) champions at each weight class.
In December 2006 World Extreme Cagefighting was bought by Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the UFC, to concentrate on the four smaller weight classes under the ...
(One time, final)
***Two successful title defenses
** Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Joseph Benavidez
Joseph Rolando Benavidez (born July 31, 1984) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Flyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Background
Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in Sa ...
*Total Combat
**Total Combat Lightweight Championship
**Total Combat Featherweight Championship
*USA Today
''USA Today'' (stylized in all uppercase) is an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company. Founded by Al Neuharth on September 15, 1982, the newspaper operates from Gannett's corporate headquarters in Tysons, Virgini ...
**2010 Fighter of the Year
*World MMA Awards
The World MMA Awards are awards presented by ''Fighters Only'' magazine to honor exceptional performance in various aspects of mixed martial arts. Winners are presented with the ''Fighters Only silver statuette''. The World MMA Awards are divided ...
**2014 Comeback Fighter of the Year
**2015 Analyst of the Year
**2016 Analyst of the Year
**2017 Analyst of the Year
Mixed martial arts record
, -
, Loss
, align=center, 24–4
, Marlon Vera
Marlon Andres Vera Delgado (born December 2, 1992) is an Ecuadorian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Vera first appeared on '' The Ultimate Fight ...
, KO (head kick)
, UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz
,
, align=center, 4
, align=center, 2:17
, San Diego, California
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United States ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 24–3
, Pedro Munhoz
Pedro Munhozhttp://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2014_Results/02-22-14MMA.pdf (born September 7, 1986) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently fighting in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Champion ...
, Decision (unanimous)
, UFC 269
''UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier'' was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on December 11, 2021, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, United State ...
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 5:00
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 23–3
, Casey Kenney
Casey James Kenney (born March 20, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist. He is currently competing in the Bantamweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and he was the former Tachi Palace Fights Flyweight champion and L ...
, Decision (split)
, UFC 259
''UFC 259: Błachowicz vs. Adesanya '' was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on March 6, 2021 at the UFC Apex facility in Enterprise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, United ...
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 5:00
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Loss
, align=center, 22–3
, Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo (born February 9, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler. He is the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight Champion and Bantamweight Champion. He is the fourth UFC fighter to h ...
, TKO (knee and punches)
, UFC 249
''UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje'' was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on May 9, 2020 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. It was originally planned to ...
,
, align=center, 2
, align=center, 4:58
, Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is a city located on the Atlantic coast of northeast Florida, the most populous city proper in the state and is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States as of 2020. It is the seat of Duval County, with which the ...
, United States
,
, -
, Loss
, align=center, 22–2
, Cody Garbrandt
Cody Garbrandt (born July 7, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Garbrandt is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion.
...
, Decision (unanimous)
, UFC 207
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Zuffa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings. It is the largest MMA ...
,
, align=center, 5
, align=center, 5:00
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 22–1
, Urijah Faber
, Decision (unanimous)
, UFC 199
''UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2'' was a mixed martial arts event held on June 4, 2016, at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
Background
While this was the first time the organization has held an event at the venue, it was the fifth time that U ...
,
, align=center, 5
, align=center, 5:00
, Inglewood, California
Inglewood is a city in southwestern Los Angeles County, California, in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 107,762. It was incorporated on February 14, 1908. The city is in the South Bay ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 21–1
, T.J. Dillashaw
, Decision (split)
, UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz
,
, align=center, 5
, align=center, 5:00
, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 20–1
, Takeya Mizugaki
(born December 16, 1983) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist who most notably competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor from 2005 to 2020, Mizugaki also competed for Absolute ...
, KO (punches)
, UFC 178
''UFC 178: Johnson vs. Cariaso'' was a mixed martial arts event held on September 27, 2014, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Background
The event was supposed to be headlined by a UFC Light Heavyweight Championship rematch bet ...
,
, align=center, 1
, align=center, 1:01
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 19–1
, Demetrious Johnson
, Decision (unanimous)
, UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson
,
, align=center, 5
, align=center, 5:00
, Washington D.C.
)
, image_skyline =
, image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, Na ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 18–1
, Urijah Faber
, Decision (unanimous)
, UFC 132
''UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber'' was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on July 2, 2011 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Background
UFC 132 was originally set to feature a rematch between B.J. Pe ...
,
, align=center, 5
, align=center, 5:00
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 17–1
, Scott Jorgensen
, Decision (unanimous)
, WEC 53
''WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis'' was a mixed martial arts event held by World Extreme Cagefighting that took place on December 16, 2010 at Jobing.com Arena in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale, Arizona. The event was the first time that Zuffa has h ...
,
, align=center, 5
, align=center, 5:00
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale () is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, located approximately northwest of Downtown Phoenix. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it had a population of 248,325.
History
In the la ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 16–1
, Joseph Benavidez
Joseph Rolando Benavidez (born July 31, 1984) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Flyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Background
Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in Sa ...
, Decision (split)
, WEC 50
''WEC 50: Cruz vs. Benavidez 2'' was a mixed martial arts event held by World Extreme Cagefighting that took place on August 18, 2010 at The Pearl at The Palms in Las Vegas.
Background
This event marked WEC's first visit to Las Vegas since WEC 4 ...
,
, align=center, 5
, align=center, 5:00
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 15–1
, Brian Bowles
, TKO (doctor stoppage)
, WEC 47
''WEC 47: Bowles vs. Cruz'' was a mixed martial arts event held by World Extreme Cagefighting on March 6, 2010. It was held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
Background
The only WEC event held in Ohio, WEC 47 coincided with the Arnold S ...
,
, align=center, 2
, align=center, 5:00
, Columbus, Ohio
Columbus () is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. With a 2020 census population of 905,748, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., the second-most populous city in the Midwest, after Chicago, and t ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 14–1
, Joseph Benavidez
Joseph Rolando Benavidez (born July 31, 1984) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Flyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Background
Benavidez was born on July 31, 1984, in Sa ...
, Decision (unanimous)
, WEC 42
''WEC 42: Torres vs. Bowles'' was a mixed martial arts event held by World Extreme Cagefighting on August 9, 2009 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
Background
Kenji Osawa was originally scheduled to face Rani Yahya at this ...
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 5:00
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 13–1
, Iván López
, Technical Decision (unanimous)
, WEC 40
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 3:24
, Chicago, Illinois
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
, image_map =
, map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago
, coordinates =
, coordinates_footnotes =
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 12–1
, Ian McCall
, Decision (unanimous)
, WEC 38
''WEC 38: Varner vs. Cerrone'' was a mixed martial arts event held by World Extreme Cagefighting on January 25, 2009. It aired live on the Versus Network. In the main event, WEC Lightweight Champion Jamie Varner defended his title against undef ...
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 5:00
, San Diego, California
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United States ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 11–1
, Charlie Valencia
, Decision (unanimous)
, WEC 34
''WEC 34: Faber vs. Pulver'' was a mixed martial arts event held by World Extreme Cagefighting that took place on June 1, 2008, at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California. The main event, announced on WEC 33, was a bout between Jens Pulver and ...
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 5:00
, Sacramento, California
)
, image_map = Sacramento County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Sacramento Highlighted.svg
, mapsize = 250x200px
, map_caption = Location within Sacramento C ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 10–1
, Kenneth Aimes
, KO (punches)
, Total Combat 27
,
, align=center, 1
, align=center, N/A
, Yuma, Arizona
Yuma ( coc, Yuum) is a city in and the county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The city's population was 93,064 at the 2010 census, up from the 2000 census population of 77,515.
Yuma is the principal city of the Yuma, Arizona, M ...
, United States
,
, -
, Loss
, align=center, 9–1
, Urijah Faber
, Submission (guillotine choke)
, WEC 26
,
, align=center, 1
, align=center, 1:38
, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 9–0
, Shad Smith
, Decision (unanimous)
, Total Combat 18
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 5:00
, San Diego, California
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United States ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 8–0
, Juan Miranda
, Submission (rear-naked choke)
, Total Combat 16
,
, align=center, 1
, align=center, 4:00
, San Diego, California
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United States ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 7–0
, Dave Hisquierdo
, Decision (split)
, Total Combat 15
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 5:00
, San Diego, California
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the eighth most populous city in the United States ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 6–0
, Michael Barney
, TKO (punches)
, Rage in the Cage 79
,
, align=center, 1
, align=center, 2:45
, Tucson, Arizona
, "(at the) base of the black ill
, nicknames = "The Old Pueblo", "Optics Valley", "America's biggest small town"
, image_map =
, mapsize = 260px
, map_caption = Interactive map ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 5–0
, Nick Hedrick
, Decision (unanimous)
, Rage in the Cage 75
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 2:00
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale () is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, located approximately northwest of Downtown Phoenix. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it had a population of 248,325.
History
In the la ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 4–0
, Josh Donahue
, TKO (punches)
, Rage in the Cage 74
,
, align=center, 2
, align=center, 1:09
, Casa Grande, Arizona
, settlement_type = City
, image_skyline = Casa Grande-Casa Grande Union High School-1920-2.jpg
, imagesize = 250px
, image_caption = Historic Casa Grande Union High School which now serves as the ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 3–0
, Tom Schwager
, TKO (punches)
, Rage in the Cage 73
,
, align=center, 1
, align=center, 0:56
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale () is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, located approximately northwest of Downtown Phoenix. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it had a population of 248,325.
History
In the la ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 2–0
, Rosco McClellan
, TKO (punches)
, Rage in the Cage 70
,
, align=center, 2
, align=center, 1:26
, Glendale, Arizona
Glendale () is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, located approximately northwest of Downtown Phoenix. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it had a population of 248,325.
History
In the la ...
, United States
,
, -
, Win
, align=center, 1–0
, Eddie Castro
, Decision (split)
, Rage in the Cage 67
,
, align=center, 3
, align=center, 3:00
, Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix ( ; nv, Hoozdo; es, Fénix or , yuf-x-wal, Banyà:nyuwá) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of cities and towns in Arizona#List of cities and towns, most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona, with 1 ...
, United States
,
Pay-per-view bouts
See also
* List of current UFC fighters
* List of male mixed martial artists
This is a list of notable professional male mixed martial arts fighters in alphabetical order.
__NOTOC__
A
* Shamil Abdurakhimov - ( M-1, UFC)
* Daichi Abe - (UFC, Pancrase)
* Hiroyuki Abe - (Shooto, KOTC, Cage Rage, DEEP, Pride)
* Papy Ab ...
* Ultimate Fighting Championship Pound for Pound rankings
Ultimate Fighting Championship rankings, which were introduced in February 2013, are generated by a voting panel made up of media members. These media members are asked to vote for whom they feel are the top fighters in the UFC by weight class and ...
References
External links
UFC Profile
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cruz, Dominick
Living people
American male mixed martial artists
Mixed martial artists from California
American mixed martial artists of Mexican descent
American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Hispanic and Latino American sportspeople
Bantamweight mixed martial artists
Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling
Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Ultimate Fighting Championship champions
World Extreme Cagefighting champions
Sportspeople from Tucson, Arizona
Sportspeople from Chula Vista, California
Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters
1985 births