Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz Seeks Rematch With ‘Dork’ Henry Cejudo After UFC 269

Just minutes after his impressive win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 269, Dominick Cruz had a familiar foe on his mind for his next outing.

Cruz got out of some early trouble against Munhoz and showcased his elite footwork and striking for the unanimous …

Just minutes after his impressive win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 269, Dominick Cruz had a familiar foe on his mind for his next outing.

Cruz got out of some early trouble against Munhoz and showcased his elite footwork and striking for the unanimous decision win. It was a vintage Cruz performance in many eyes as he looks to push towards another potential title shot.

Following his win over Munhoz, Cruz called for a rematch with Cejudo nearly two years after his loss at UFC 249. Cejudo would retire immediately following the fight and has remained inactive ever since.

“I’d prefer to fight Cejudo again,” Cruz said to reporters following UFC 269. “I needed more time to get going. I don’t want to make excuses, I pushed for that fight. I got five weeks and sparred 10 fights leading up to that fight following my shoulder surgery. With this version of me, it’s a different fight with him. He’s an Olympian, knows how to fight, but still a little dork though.”

Dominick Cruz Lost Controversially To Henry Cejudo

Dominick Cruz Henry Cejudo Keith Peterson — Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Cruz fell at UFC 249 via TKO after taking a barrage of hard ground-and-pound strikes from Cejudo. Cruz appeared to be still making an effort to defend himself, but referee Keith Peterson stopped the fight, much to the dismay of the former champion.

Cejudo has hinted at a potential comeback at either bantamweight or featherweight. He most recently called out Alexander Volkanovski for a featherweight title shot and an opportunity to become a three-division champion.

If Cejudo ends up coming back and Cruz keeps up his current winning streak, the two could be on a collision course once again in the stacked bantamweight division. For now, it appears that apparent beef between the two former champions doesn’t appear to be fading away anytime soon.

Would you want to see Dominick Cruz vs. Henry Cejudo 2?

Continue Reading Dominick Cruz Seeks Rematch With ‘Dork’ Henry Cejudo After UFC 269 at MMA News.

7 Takeaways From UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier

UFC 269 featured two title fights that crowned a new queen of the women’s bantamweight division and a current champion proved himself as worthy of holding the title he won earlier this year.

There was a lot to take away from UFC 269, here are some …

UFC 269 featured two title fights that crowned a new queen of the women’s bantamweight division and a current champion proved himself as worthy of holding the title he won earlier this year.

There was a lot to take away from UFC 269, here are some things that stood out.

O’Malley vs. Garbrandt?

During the pre-fight press conference, Sean O’Malley and Cody Garbrandt went after each other, even though they both had their own fights with other people at UFC 269 to worry about. Still, O’Malley seemed to think it would be a good idea for them to square up at the press conference for a future event. Is this something you want to see?

The heat is at an 11, and @DustinPoirier is bringing the hot sauce ? #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/KX8dAvW5LE
— UFC (@ufc) December 10, 2021

Lost One

Alex Perez — Image Credit: Jeff Sherwood of Sherdog.com

It happens enough these days, bookmakers should start laying odds on what fight will get pulled from a card, and for what reason. After the weigh-ins, the UFC announced that the flyweight bout between Matt Schnell and Alex Perez was canceled due to medical issues with Schnell.

The Savage Gets Back in The Win Column

Gillian Robertson was on a two-fight losing streak going into UFC 269. If that wasn’t enough fuel to pick up a win, her opponent Priscila Cachoeira missed weight and they fought at a catchweight. Robertson scored the first submission and finish of the night to get back in the win column and did it with Cachoeira fighting dirty. Losers never win, and Robertson proved that here. Check out Robertson’s submission finish and doing it while Cahcoeira was poking her in the eye.

Right before the horn!@savage_ufc sank in the submission win ? #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/KIDomTjkF6
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 11, 2021

Kai-Kara France

France stopped Garbrandt in his tracks for Garbrandt’s flyweight debut, leaving questions for Garbrandt’s future but opening doors for France. With his first-round finish of the former bantamweight champion, France made it known he has his eyes on Brandon Moreno and Deivison Figueredo. Either fight would make a great future match-up for him.

Cruz made news for his criticism of Daniel Cormier’s broadcast style on fight week and that may have taken away from the fact that regardless of how anyone handles a mic, Cruz can still manage the cage better. It’s obvious he does just as much homework for fights as he does for his broadcast duties. Cruz fought and won against a very tough Pedro Munhoz to pick up a decisive victory. If there’s a fight to make, maybe he and Jose Aldo could headline a card in 2022.

And New!

UFC 269 results, highlights: Julianna Pena scores shocking upset of Amanda Nunes to claim title - CBSSports.com — Julianna Pena, Image Credit: Chris Unger

A huge underdog, Julianna Peña came in with nothing but heart and a great jab that would hand Nunes the loss that would cost her the title, and crown The Venezuelan Vixen the new bantamweight champion. Peña was a +650 underdog and when the going got tough, Peña’s resolve would be the fuel that won her the title.

And Still!

UFC 269 results: Charles Oliveira taps Dustin Poirier to retain title — Charles Oliveira. Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Diamonds are tough but “Do Bronx” is tougher as Charles Oliveira proved that he can stand with the tougher, more damaging fighter the likes of Dustin Poirier. Oliveira’s chin was definitely tested in this fight, especially in round one but if there were a physical demonstration of “being like water,” Oliveira definitely did it to Poirier when he scored the submission victory.

There’s obviously more to take away from this event than what is listed here especially with it being the last one of 2021. New challengers for various titles, up-and-coming fighters looking to get in the top 15, and potential rematches to make. The UFC certainly closed their pay-per-view schedule well.

What did you take away from the event? Better yet, what would you like to see in 2022?

Continue Reading 7 Takeaways From UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier at MMA News.

Dominick Cruz Takes Decision Victory Against Pedro Munhoz – UFC 269 Highlights

Former two-time undisputed UFC bantamweight champion, Dominick Cruz was forced to rally from an early first round knockdown against Brazilian division counterpart, Pedro Munhoz on the preliminary card of UFC 269 — before securing a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) victory. The former undisputed bantamweight kingpin locks up his second straight victory for the first […]

The former undisputed bantamweight kingpin locks up his second straight victory for the first time in five years courtesy of his victory over American Top Team trainee, Munhoz tonight, however, it did not come entirely plane sailing.

Utilizing his slick footwork and head movement to evade Munhoz, Cruz planted himself onto a winging left hook of Munhoz, resulting in an almost face-plant knockdown, before grabbing his witts and surviving.

Beyond the early round scare and subsequent follow up strikes, veteran California native, Cruz turned in a truly vintage performance with his striking arsenal to land his second decision success of the year following a March judging win over Casey Kenney.

Catch the highlights from Dominick Cruz’s impressive unanimous decision win over Pedro Munhoz, below.

Archives: Garbrandt Storms Off Joint-Interview To Look For Cruz (2016)

Cody Garbrandt has always been a bit of a hothead, and fans at home caught a live glimpse of this in 2016.

Tonight, both Cody Garbrandt and Dominick Cruz will be competing at UFC 269, but much has changed since their 2016 bout. For one thing, neith…

Cody Garbrandt has always been a bit of a hothead, and fans at home caught a live glimpse of this in 2016.

Tonight, both Cody Garbrandt and Dominick Cruz will be competing at UFC 269, but much has changed since their 2016 bout. For one thing, neither man is in the top 5 at bantamweight anymore. In Garbrandt’s case, he isn’t even in the division at all.

But five years ago, Garbrandt had all the momentum in the world and an undefeated record. He also had a deep animosity for then-champion Dominick Cruz ahead of their UFC 207 bout. Don’t believe me? Look no further than the following article we ran five years ago.

The following article is presented in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of the MMA News Archives.

[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED DECEMBER 28, 2016, 8:38 PM]

Headline: Video: Garbrandt Storms Off Joint-Interview With Cruz, Goes Looking For Him

Author: Matt Boone

Well, tensions are definitely rising, folks!

During their latest split-screen joint television interview, UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz and Team Alpha Male contender Cody “No Love” Garbrandt reached their boiling point.

Featured above is an excerpt from the joint interview, which aired via The Fight Network based out of Canada, and saw Garbrandt threaten to leave and find Cruz, who he mentioned was only one room over from where he was currently sitting.

At that point, Garbrandt took his microphone off and apparently went in search of the reigning UFC 135-pound champion.

One day he won’t have to look for Cruz is this Friday, as Garbrandt becomes the latest member of the Team Alpha Male camp to try and dethrone the UFC’s longtime 135-pound champion when the two meet in the co-main event of Friday’s UFC 207: Nunes vs. Rousey pay-per-view event.

UFC 207: Nunes vs. Rousey takes place from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing live on pay-per-view this Friday, December 30th. Join us here at MMANews.com on Friday evening for live round-by-round results coverage of the UFC 207 pay-per-view.

For more of The Fight Network’s coverage of UFC 207: Nunes vs. Rousey, visit their official website at FightNetwork.com.

Continue Reading Archives: Garbrandt Storms Off Joint-Interview To Look For Cruz (2016) at MMA News.

Daniel Cormier Dedicates His MMA Award Win To Dominick Cruz

Daniel Cormier was one of the big winners at the 13th Annual World MMA Awards last night, walking away with the honour of ‘Personality of the Year’. During his acceptance speech, the former dual-weight champion made a cheeky reference to his recent spat with Dominick Cruz by dedicating the win to the 135lb legend. “This […]

Daniel Cormier was one of the big winners at the 13^th Annual World MMA Awards last night, walking away with the honour of ‘Personality of the Year’.

During his acceptance speech, the former dual-weight champion made a cheeky reference to his recent spat with Dominick Cruz by dedicating the win to the 135lb legend.

“This one is for Dominick Cruz,” Cormier said per Mike Bohn. “I got to get my ass back to the hotel and do some studying.”

Why Do Daniel Cormier & Dominick Cruz Have Beef?

The UFC commentary duo seemed to be on good terms until earlier in the week when Cruz publicly blasted Cormier for not taking the role of commentator seriously.

“When it comes to DC, I usually mute it,” Cruz told media. “I love DC, he’s my friend, but to me, from my experience, he doesn’t do the homework. He wants to get in and out, get the job done, make his money. And I think he cares about us, but it’s just different. He doesn’t do the preparation from my experience. He might now. I’m hoping he watches some film this time on my fight so he knows what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. But I’m not gonna hold my breath on that, that’s for sure.”

Cormier later interviewed Cruz and the pair hashed things out in what was at times a pretty awkward conversation. Both men ended the confrontation with a hug and things seemed to have been put to bed but Cormier couldn’t resist taking a jovial dig at Cruz who was not honoured at the MMA Awards show.

The former bantamweight champion will be back in action tonight at UFC 269 when he takes on #8 ranked contender Pedro Munhoz.

Who do you back in the Daniel Cormier – Dominick Cruz beef?

Henry Cejudo Goes After Dominick Cruz Over DC Criticism

Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo wasn’t happy when he heard that Dominick Cruz ripped Daniel Cormier’s commentary this week.

Cejudo and Cruz have a bit of history, stemming from their battle at FUC 249. Cejudo earned a second-round TKO win that did…

Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo wasn’t happy when he heard that Dominick Cruz ripped Daniel Cormier’s commentary this week.

Cejudo and Cruz have a bit of history, stemming from their battle at FUC 249. Cejudo earned a second-round TKO win that didn’t come without controversy, as Cruz immediately protested the stoppage and claimed he was still defending himself.

Cruz made headlines earlier this week after he blasted Cormier’s commentary and accused him of “not doing his homework” when it comes to preparing for fights.

Cruz and Cormier have appeared to hash out their apparent differences shortly after the comments, but Cejudo took the chance to mock Cruz for the controversy. This came after Cruz appeared to falsely call Cormier a former Olympic Gold Medalist.

Shut your damn mouth Dominick Snooze ?

You must've not done your homework when I slept you. Did you forget about my Olympic gold medal then??

Even Keith Peterson can't save you from your boring ass commentary ?? There's a reason you're on the prelims! #UFC269 #bendtheknee https://t.co/JWt01VCo80
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) December 9, 2021

“Shut your d**n mouth Dominick Snooze,” Cejudo tweeted. “You must’ve not done your homework when I slept you. Did you forget about my Olympic gold medal then? Even [referee Keith Peterson] can’t save you from your boring a** commentary. There’s a reason you’re on the prelims!”

Henry Cejudo Has Hinted At A UFC Comeback

Cejudo announced his retirement in the Octagon at UFC 249 just minutes after beating Cruz. The former flyweight and bantamweight champion has hinted at a return to MMA in recent months, calling out fighters such as Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling.

Cruz is slated to face Pedro Munhoz at UFC 269, as he looks to continue to push forward towards another potential title shot. If Cejudo returns to the UFC, these two may potentially be on a collision course once again.

What are your thoughts on Dominick Cruz’s comments about Daniel Cormier’s commentary?

Continue Reading Henry Cejudo Goes After Dominick Cruz Over DC Criticism at MMA News.