Dominick Cruz Opens Up About Devastating Shoulder Injury That Ended His Career
Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz recently shared the details of the severe shoulder injury that ultimately led to his retirement from professional fighting. The 39-year-old fighter, who is widely regarded as one of the best bantamweights in MMA history, explained the circumstances surrounding his decision to hang up his gloves.
Cruz described two shoulder dislocations that occurred within a span of eight months. The first incident happened during training, but he was able to recover and even sparred successfully afterward. This led him to accept a fight against Rob Font for a UFC event in Seattle.
However, the second dislocation proved to be far more serious. It happened during a routine wrestling drill, and unlike the first time, doctors struggled to put the shoulder back in place. Cruz spent over an hour in excruciating pain, with his arm turning blue due to lack of circulation.
“The pain was unbearable,” Cruz stated. “It was a 20 on a scale of 1 to 10. This experience changed my perspective on the condition of my shoulder.”
The repeated dislocations were caused by tendon damage, which made the joint increasingly unstable. Realizing the long-term health risks, Cruz made the difficult decision to retire rather than pursue one last fight.
While he considered fighting if offered a substantial sum, Cruz ultimately prioritized his well-being over a potential final payday. “Is the rehab worth more than what I’m getting paid for this last fight? Definitely,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Cruz has found inspiration in working with young fighters in Mexico City. He expressed interest in continuing to be involved in the sport through coaching and mentoring up-and-coming talent.
“Seeing the hunger in these young fighters’ eyes keeps me alive,” Cruz remarked. “I can see my younger self in them, and it’s truly inspiring.”
As Cruz transitions into this new chapter of his life, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most skilled and resilient fighters in UFC history, overcoming numerous injuries throughout his career to reach the pinnacle of the sport multiple times.
