Forced to Withdraw From His Farewell Fight

UFC legend Dominick Cruz has officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after suffering yet another serious injury. The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion was scheduled to face Rob Font in a highly anticipated farewell fight at UFC Seattle on February 22, 2025. However, earlier this month, it was confirmed that Cruz had been forced to withdraw from the fight due to a severe shoulder dislocation.

This marks another devastating injury in Cruz’s career, which has been repeatedly derailed by physical setbacks. Over the years, he has battled multiple ACL tears, groin injuries, and arm fractures, spending extended periods on the sidelines. Despite these struggles, Cruz managed to become one of the most dominant bantamweights in MMA history, capturing and defending the UFC title on multiple occasions.

While fans were eager to see him compete one last time, Cruz himself insists that he has no regrets about stepping away from the sport.

Cruz: “I Chose to Be Happy”

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Cruz explained the reasoning behind his decision to retire before his farewell fight. For the 39-year-old veteran, his long-term health outweighs the need for one last bout.

The injury that forced him out was a second shoulder dislocation in less than eight months, and Cruz admitted that he tried to fight through the pain before ultimately realizing that competing was no longer an option.

“It’s a choice for happiness. Many people think I should be sad, that I should feel defeated for pulling out. But I don’t see it that way,” Cruz said.

Instead of dwelling on what could have been, Cruz said he is choosing to move forward. He acknowledged that his body has taken enough damage over the years, and trying to force another fight would only make things worse.

Shoulder Injury Was the Breaking Point

Cruz has fought through countless injuries throughout his career, but this latest setback was different. Initially, he thought the pain was something he could tolerate, but once his shoulder completely gave out, he knew there was no coming back this time.

“The pain is unbearable,” Cruz stated.

Even though he was preparing for a farewell fight, Cruz now believes this is simply the way his career was meant to end.

“That’s the big question, right? If you were to die tomorrow, would you be okay with how it ended?” Cruz said before adding:
“I’m okay with it because this is what I’ve been given. It’s my choice, so yes, I’m okay.”

Cruz’s Retirement Opens the Door for Rising Prospect

With Cruz stepping away, the UFC acted quickly to find a replacement for Rob Font at UFC Seattle. The promotion has now booked Jean Matsumoto (16-0), an undefeated Brazilian prospect, to face Font on February 22.

Matsumoto is a rising star in the bantamweight division, and this fight will mark his UFC debut on short notice. The last-minute switch ensures that Font remains on the card, now facing a younger and potentially dangerous opponent.

Dominick Cruz: A Legacy of Greatness Despite Adversity

Cruz retires with a 24-4 professional record and a resume that cements him as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time. His unmatched footwork, elite fight IQ, and ability to adapt inside the octagon revolutionized the sport, inspiring generations of fighters.

Despite suffering multiple long-term injuries, Cruz always found a way to come back and reclaim his place at the top of the division. He remains the only fighter in history to win the UFC bantamweight title twice, and his analytical mind has made him a respected figure both as a competitor and a commentator.

While the ending of his career was not what he envisioned, Cruz remains at peace with his decision, knowing that he gave everything to the sport.

For MMA fans, his retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the sport will live on as an inspiration for future champions.

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