Dominick Cruz was born in San Diego, 1985, but raised in Tucson, AZ,
where he wrestled his way from Jr. High through High School setting
records, achieving awards and then coaching after graduation from
Flowing Wells High School. Deciding to forgo finishing college, he
aggressively chased his dream of becoming a MMA Champion earning belts
in both 145 and 155 pound weight divisions.
Coach Eric Del Fierro recognized his determination and skill during a
few fights and invited Dominick to train with him at Alliance Gym in
San Diego; the rest is history in the making! He became the
Bantamweight Champion in March of 2010, and was the first Double
Champion from WEC retiring the last belt and gaining the new UFC
Bantamweight belt. Defending the title six times also led to injuries
that ultimately forced him to relinquish that belt from 2012 to 2014,
but he never lost the belt!
He came back in 2014, and won by 61 second knockout earning the
“Comeback Career of the Year” award in World MMA. However, during his
run to the regain the belt, he ruptured his other ACL and endured
physical therapy again through 2015. He interviewed with Joe Rogan to
create one of the most famous of Dominick’s talks to confront
depression and bring truth to the issue. Dominick stayed true to a
success mindset becoming one of the best minds in the sport hired as a
UFC Fight Analyst on Fox and being voted 2016 “Analyst of the Year” in
World MMA.
January 2016, he battled TJ Dillashaw and won back his UFC Bantamweight
Championship status! While media marked it as one of the greatest come
backs in sports history, he went forward to complete and win the
Trilogy Fight against Urijah Faber, truly setting history in place
again through the UFC. He began the new role of FOX Commentator during
this season adding another successful level of mindset to his career.
In December of 2016, however, he had the 2nd loss of his career to Cody
Gardbrandt. Fans continued to show appreciation for Dominick and he was
voted “Analyst of the Year” two more times through to 2018, and the UFC
created a special documentary feature about his hometown story called
“In the Clinch” with host Daniel Cormier. Currently he is an ESPN Color
Commentator and Co-Host of “Unlocking Victory,” a new series featuring
highlights and insights for upcoming Pay Per View Fights by ESPN.
Dominick has been giving back and supporting community organizations,
Youth-focused non -profits and earning special awards throughout his
career. He enjoys life at his home in San Diego, continues to train at
Alliance MMA Gym and can’t wait to gain back his third title as
Comeback King and Bantamweight Champion of the World!
