Newly crowned UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz (17-1) has elected to have corrective surgery to his left hand for a nagging injury instead of making his octagon debut this spring. Cruz originally damaged the hand last summer while training for his first WEC title defense against Joseph Benavidez at WEC 50.
After defeating Benavidez, Cruz decided not to have the surgery for this hand and instead went on to defend his title in December against Scott Jorgensen at WEC 53. After his eight consecutive win, and second straight title defense, Cruz was asked by the press if he’d have the surgery or if he’d hold off to coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite Urijah Faber given the chance. Cruz said yes of course but as we know neither fighter was offered the position and Faber is now scheduled to fight Eddie Wineland at UFC 128.
Cruz, who spoke to ESPN.com about the surgery, noted that “It could be six months, but I’m not planning on six months.
I’ll say that it will take me eight weeks to recover and 12 weeks to punch again. [My return] has nothing to do with me being ready. That has to do with the UFC booking cards. I can’t book myself on a card if I’m not ready. Bottom line is just finding that opening on a card and having the time right on my hand.”
Cruz also stated that when he made his octagon debut it didn’t matter who he faced, he just wants to fight the best. Of course if it’s former champ Urijah Faber, the only man to ever defeat Cruz, then all the better.