Dominick Cruz Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame 2026 Class
Dominick Cruz, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. His achievements in the bantamweight division have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Cruz’s Journey to the Championship
Cruz began his climb to the top by rejoining the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) after a significant victory. He competed in several bantamweight bouts, ultimately securing a title fight against Brian Bowles. This critical match took place on March 6, 2010, at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, during WEC 47.
WEC 47: Bowles vs. Cruz
- Date: March 6, 2010
- Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
- Event: WEC 47
In this main event, Cruz showcased his speed and movement right from the start. He effectively utilized a combination of punches and low kicks, dominating the first round. As the fight progressed, Cruz maintained his momentum, delivering powerful strikes that overwhelmed Bowles.
Ultimately, the match concluded with Bowles unable to continue due to a broken right hand. This victory crowned Cruz as the new WEC bantamweight champion, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Defending his Title and UFC Transition
Cruz continued his impressive run by defending the WEC bantamweight title twice. His success culminated in becoming the inaugural UFC bantamweight champion. He achieved this by defeating Scott Jorgensen at WEC 53. This event was particularly notable as it was the last for WEC before its merger with UFC, featuring a UFC title fight during a non-UFC event.
Post-UFC 207 and Retirement
After a series of triumphs, Cruz faced a setback when he lost the UFC bantamweight title to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207. Despite this challenge, he managed to win two of his last four fights. Cruz’s fighting career concluded in February 2025, following a defeat to Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz.
Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Dominick Cruz’s legacy continues to inspire fans and aspiring fighters. His journey through the bantamweight division remains a testament to his skill, resilience, and dedication to the sport.
