'Hella disrespectful'… UFC fans divided as future Hall of Famer receives touching tribute after announcing retirement
03/02/2025 10:35 AM
There was a temporary pause in the UFC Fight Night: Kape vs Almabayev broadcast as the MMA promotion paid tribute to a bonified legend of the sport.
Last month, after suffering an injury that sadly forced him out of his final fight against Rob Font, the iconic Dominick Cruz announced his retirement from MMA.
The former two-time bantamweight champion is widely considered to be one of the most naturally skilled and influential fighters in UFC history.
However, not everyone is happy that his send-off took place at The Apex, as opposed to a packed-out arena full of screaming fans.
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UFC pay tribute to Dominick Cruz after announcing retirement
During UFC Vegas 103, Jon Anik stepped into the octagon to call a brief halt to the action so that the promotion could pay tribute to former champion and future Hall of Famer, Dominick Cruz.
"His style may be replicated, it will never be duplicated," hailed Anik, acknowledging: "Cruzzy did it his way like Frank Sinatra, and his legacy is entrenched as one of the best of all time."
Cruz, who bows out with a professional record of 24-4, was understandably taken aback by the touching video package that not only highlighted his countless UFC career achievements but also the impact he's had on this new generation of athletes.
"Ah man, never ready for that – love you guys, thank you… All I can say is, I don't know what to say, I'm speechless… It definitely did [strike a nerve], I really appreciate the love."
Whilst the video package itself, and the words spoken by Jon Anik, were as poignant as they were accurate; fans are divided over the fact the tribute took place at The Apex, instead of in front of 18,000+ fans in a legitimate arena.
UFC fans argue retirement tribute should've been for thousands
No one is denying that Dominick Cruz will soon be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, nor that last night's video tribute wasn't warranted – the issue is that it took place at The Apex.
On the one hand, showing the tribute last night made sense as UFC Vegas 103 was the first time that Cruz was featured on the commentary desk since news of his retirement hit the airwaves.
On the other, Cruz is such a legendary figure in the sport that he deserved a standing ovation from tens of thousands of fans, rather than the mere hundred or so in 'the warehouse of dreams'.
"Beautiful retirement send off video for the legend Dominick Cruz. But come on, that would have been so much more better in front of a crowd of 1000s of fight fans giving him a standing ovation instead of the Apex. Cruz deserves better."
"Dominick Cruz tribute video in the Apex seems hella disrespectful," wrote one fan on X, with another adding "This tribute to Cruz should not be taking place at the Apex."
"I get that there’s a limited schedule, but a Dominick Cruz retirement package deserved 16,000 fans cheering for him in the building as he walked out. Why not save it for next week at UFC 313?"
"Kind of lame that they’re giving Cruz a tribute at a Fight Night. Whether you like him or not, he deserves to get recognized at a numbered event tbh."
A sub-par venue for a truly legendary UFC fighter; happy retirement, Dominick Cruz.
