Dominick Cruz’s Final Dance: Former Champ Set to Retire After UFC Seattle

Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has confirmed that his upcoming bout at UFC Seattle will be his last. The 39-year-old veteran is set to face Rob Font on February 22, 2025, in what promises to be an emotional farewell to a storied career.

The Dominator’s Last Stand

Cruz, widely regarded as one of the greatest bantamweights in MMA history, will step into the Octagon for the final time after a career spanning nearly two decades. The decision comes after a lengthy layoff, with Cruz’s last appearance dating back to August 2022, when he suffered a knockout loss to Marlon Vera.

“For me, it is,” Cruz stated when asked if this would be his final fight. “Not because of my mentality, not because of my skillset. Yeah, I lost my last fight, but I was in that fight every minute of the fight.”

#UFCSeattle will be Dominick Cruz’s final UFC fight.

(via @dc_mma, @ChaelSonnen) pic.twitter.com/UUyaJWNBg2

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 10, 2025

The former champion’s career has been marked by incredible highs and challenging lows, including multiple title reigns and extended periods of inactivity due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Cruz’s innovative footwork and unorthodox style revolutionized the bantamweight division and earned him a place among the sport’s elite.

Legacy and Future Endeavors

As Cruz prepares for his swan song, the MMA world reflects on his contributions to the sport. With a professional record of 24-4, Cruz’s resume boasts victories over notable names such as Demetrious Johnson, Urijah Faber, and T.J. Dillashaw. His ability to overcome career-threatening injuries and reclaim the bantamweight title in 2016 stands as a testament to his resilience and determination.

While the fighting chapter of his life may be closing, Cruz’s impact on MMA is far from over. He has already established himself as a respected commentator and analyst for UFC broadcasts, a role he is expected to continue post-retirement.

“The skills are still there,” Cruz explained. “It’s just a matter of all the injuries and stuff. Can I keep them together to get through the camp? The camp is the hard part. We all know that. It’s not really the fight.”

As UFC Seattle approaches, fans and fellow fighters alike are gearing up to witness the final performance of a true legend. The matchup against Rob Font, a formidable opponent ranked in the division’s top 10, ensures that Cruz will face a stern test in his farewell bout.

The event, set to take place at the Climate Pledge Arena, is shaping up to be a celebration of Cruz’s career as much as it is a competitive fight night. UFC President Dana White has hinted at special tributes being planned to honor Cruz’s contributions to the sport.

For Cruz, this final fight represents more than just a chance to go out on a high note; it’s an opportunity to inspire one last time and show the heart of a champion that has defined his career. As he prepares to hang up his gloves, the MMA community eagerly anticipates one more display of the footwork, timing, and fighting IQ that made “The Dominator” a true icon of the sport.

Whether victorious or not in his final outing, Dominick Cruz’s legacy as one of MMA’s most cerebral and skilled competitors is secure. As he steps into the Octagon for the last time on February 22, fans around the world will be watching, ready to bid farewell to a fighter who has left an indelible mark on the sport of mixed martial arts.