Dominick Cruz set for farewell UFC fight against Rob Font

Dominick Cruz, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is set to return to the Octagon at UFC Seattle on February 22, facing ninth-ranked contender Rob Font.

At 39, this highly anticipated bout may mark the final chapter of Cruz’s legendary career, which has spanned over two decades.

Cruz has not fought since his August 2022 loss to Marlon Vera at UFC San Diego, a defeat that came via a head-kick stoppage.

Reflecting on that fight, Cruz acknowledged the outcome while maintaining confidence in his abilities.

“I wasn’t slower; I wasn’t behind a step. I was in that fight, going for the kill,” Cruz said.

“I hurt myself in the process, but that’s part of the game. These things happen.”

While Cruz has become a respected UFC commentator, his passion for competition has drawn him back.

“I enjoy fighting. I’m from the era where you didn’t get paid a ton; you just did it because you loved it,” Cruz shared.

“I’m going to do one more.”

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Initially, Cruz had hoped for a rematch with Henry Cejudo, who defeated him for the bantamweight title at UFC 249.

However, despite being scheduled on the same card, Cejudo declined the matchup.

“I embarrassed him with my words before, and he probably doesn’t want to go through that again,” Cruz remarked.

“But I respect Rob Font. He’s dangerous, and he’s one of the best in the division.”

Font, known for his striking and durability, poses a significant challenge.

For Cruz, however, this fight is less about rankings or title aspirations and more about proving himself.

“I want to show that I’m still that good. I’m here to challenge myself,” Cruz said.

“This fight is about me. It’s about testing my body and my skills against a top opponent.”

Cruz, who has openly criticized referee Keith Peterson’s decisions during his fight with Cejudo, emphasized his focus on physical preparation for this bout.

“The camp is the hard part,” Cruz admitted. “I’ve had a lot of injuries, and it’s about keeping my body together to get through the camp.”

As UFC Seattle approaches, Cruz views the fight as a farewell to the sport he has dedicated his life to.

Even a decisive victory against Font is unlikely to change his decision.

“I’ve done this for over 20 years. I want to go out on my terms,” he stated.

“If I want to settle things with Henry [Cejudo], I know where to find him. But this fight is about me.”

Cruz, with a record of 24-4, has built a legacy that includes wins over MMA legends like Demetrious Johnson, Urijah Faber, and TJ Dillashaw.

His contributions to the sport, both as a fighter and a commentator, ensure his place in MMA history.

Currently, none of the top online sportsbooks have released betting odds for Cruz’s matchup against Font have not been released, but updates are expected closer to the event.

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