Dominick Cruz officially retires from MMA

Dominick Cruz’s body has finally said enough. The two-time UFC bantamweight champion has retired after a recurring shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from UFC Seattle.

Dominick Cruz’s final walk to the Octagon will never happen. A shoulder injury sustained in training has forced him to withdraw from his fight against Rob Font at UFC Seattle and prematurely end his career.

Dominick Cruz, considered by many the greatest bantamweight in UFC history, was preparing for a comeback after alternating wins and losses in his recent fights. His last outing was a knockout loss to Marlon Vera in August 2022, preceded by wins over Pedro Munhoz and Casey Kenney in 2021.

On X, Cruz shared a lengthy message with his supporters, announcing his retirement from the sport of MMA.

To the fans worldwide,

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… pic.twitter.com/2X5fB6NXnZ

— Dominick Cruz (@DominickCruz) February 6, 2025

“To the fans worldwide,

“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,” Cruz began.

“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.

“The pain isn’t as bad now that my shoulder is back in place, but the second dislocation was far more complicated than the first. This sport has been everything to me—it’s helped to shape who I am.

“Thank you to the [UFC] for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others. The UFC broke barriers to set the stage not just for us as fighters. Also for every mma sports organization that followed them across the bridge created throughout politics in order to allow our sport to take place LEGALLY in the United States and now the world.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who booked tickets, hotels, and flights to support me. Thank you all for being there through every moment, every victory, and every challenge. You’ve made this journey unforgettable. Thank you for the love and support. I will carry it with me always.”