Dominick Cruz to retire after Rob Font fight at UFC Seattle
Dominick Cruz is set to return to the Octagon at UFC Seattle on February 22, taking on ninth-ranked bantamweight contender Rob Font in what he suggests will be the final fight of his illustrious career.
For the former UFC bantamweight champion, the bout represents not only a long-awaited comeback but potentially the last chapter in a journey spanning over two decades.
Cruz, now 39, hasn’t fought since his loss to Marlon Vera at UFC San Diego in August 2022.
That defeat, a head-kick stoppage, marked a rare stumble in a career defined by dominance, resilience, and recovery from numerous injuries.
Despite the result, Cruz reflected on the fight with a mix of pragmatism and pride, emphasising that his skills remain intact.
“I wasn’t slower; I wasn’t behind a step. I was in that fight, going for the kill,” Cruz said.
“I hurt myself in the process, but that’s part of the game. These things happen.”
Known for his cerebral approach inside and outside the cage, Cruz has become a respected voice in the sport as a UFC commentator.
However, his passion for competing has drawn him back.
“I enjoy fighting. I’m from the era where you didn’t get paid a ton; you just did it because you loved it,” Cruz shared.
“I’m going to do one more.”
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The choice of opponent for his comeback wasn’t Cruz’s first pick.
Initially, he had hoped for a rematch with Henry Cejudo, the man who defeated him at UFC 249 for the bantamweight title.
Despite being scheduled on the same card, Cejudo declined the rematch, leaving Cruz to face Font.
Cruz speculated that Cejudo’s reluctance might stem from their pre-fight banter.
“I embarrassed him with my words before, and he probably doesn’t want to go through that again,” Cruz remarked.
“But I respect Rob Font. He’s dangerous, and he’s one of the best in the division.”
Font, a skilled striker and perennial contender, poses a significant challenge.
But for Cruz, the fight is about more than rankings or future title aspirations.
It’s about proving to himself and the fans that he still belongs among the elite.
“I want to show that I’m still that good. I’m here to challenge myself,” Cruz said.
“This fight is about me. It’s about testing my body and my skills against a top opponent.”
Cruz has not shied away from addressing his contentious history with referee Keith Peterson, whose officiating in the Cejudo fight remains a sore point.
While he maintains his criticisms, he’s focused on the task ahead and ensuring he’s physically prepared.
“The camp is the hard part,” Cruz admitted.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries, and it’s about keeping my body together to get through the camp.”
As UFC Seattle approaches, Cruz is treating this as a definitive farewell to the sport.
Even a decisive victory against Font seems unlikely to change his mind.
“I’ve done this for over 20 years. I want to go out on my terms,” he stated.
“If I want to settle things with Henry [Cejudo], I know where to find him. But this fight is about me.”
With a record of 24-4 and a legacy that includes wins over legends like Demetrious Johnson, Urijah Faber, and TJ Dillashaw, Cruz’s place in MMA history is secure.
Currently none of the leading MMA bookmakers have betting odds for Rob Font v Dominc Cruz however, BettingSite will update once they become available.