Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has his eyes on unfinished business to conclude his career in the Octagon.
Cruz, who also held WEC gold prior to his UFC reigns, hasn’t competed since being knocked out by a brutal head kick against Marlon Vera back in August 2022.
That result, which headlined a UFC Fight Night in his home city of San Diego, snapped Cruz’s two-fight winning run and stalled his plans for a late-career rise back up the ladder at 135 pounds.
Since then, “The Dominator” has remained a prominent fixture on UFC broadcasts through his work as a color commentator and desk analyst for ESPN. But although that has left some suggesting his time as an active fighter could be up, the 39-year-old has confirmed that he as more in the tank.
During an appearance on the Anik & Florian Podcast, Cruz reiterated plans to make a comeback over two years on from his setback in California.
And more than just a fighting commitment, Cruz even has some names in mind for his return, the first being a clash with former featherweight kingpin José Aldo.
“I’m with that fight (against Aldo). I would like that fight,” Cruz said.
That bout was rumored to have been in the works for this past May’s event in Rio de Janeiro, where Aldo made his comeback from retirement and defeated Jonathan Martinez. Having had his title plans stalled by Mario Bautista at UFC 307 earlier this month, perhaps the promotion will look to book an all-legends clash with Cruz for Aldo next.
In addition to the Brazilian, “The Dominator” has his sights on a couple of rematches as he looks to right the wrongs from defeats to Cody Garbrandt and Henry Cejudo in 2016 and 2020, respectively.
“I’ve heard Henry (Cejudo) say that he would be willing to fight me if (UFC chief business officer) Hunter (Campbell) would allow it to happen,” Cruz stated. “I would rematch Henry. I would love that. … I’m not saying he didn’t beat me, but I’m saying that on a full camp, we can give an entertaining fight.
“He beat me the last fight. Okay, great. I think with me having a full camp, me not straight off surgery, me doing the training I’ve been doing, me feeling the way I feel right now…we’ll put on a really good, fun show,” Cruz continued. “So, Aldo, Henry, Cody (Garbrandt’s) getting ready to fight, so he’s got a fight coming up. But yeah, rematches for me make sense. My shoulder’s had multiple surgeries. It’s not rocket science, I don’t have tons of fights left. I’m towards the last chunk of my fights, and I want to put on a good show. So, I’m looking for a fight that makes sense.”
It remains to be seen what the UFC will line up for Cruz. But it appears clear that the fanbase has not seen the legendary former bantamweight champion make the walk for the final time.
