UFC Vegas 103 paused as legend is given emotional tribute in first appearance since retirement
Yesterday at 08:43 PM
Two-time UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz got the tribute he deserved while at the broadcast desk at UFC Vegas 103.
Dominick Cruz overcame many obstacles in his life and career to become one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. After Cruz announced his retirement leading up to UFC Seattle, he was honored at UFC Vegas 103 as the promotion paused the event to pay homage.
Cruz, who sat alongside play-by-play commentator Jon Anik at UFC Vegas 103, was honored in a tribute video package by the UFC two fights into the main card. The video tribute featured many of Cruz’s iconic moments, including his inspirational second title win over TJ Dillashaw after a long hiatus due to injury.
The usually calm Cruz appeared emotional after the video had completed, thanking those in attendance and at home for their respect and support. Cruz announced his retirement after suffering a significant shoulder injury ahead of his intended retirement fight at UFC Seattle.
Despite the joy Cruz felt while sitting cageside for the tribute, many fans didn’t take kindly to the UFC sharing the tribute video in front of a small crowd in attendance.
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Fight fans roast the UFC after Dominick Cruz tribute shared at the Apex
Here’s what UFC fighters and fans had to say about the Cruz tribute.
“Dominick Cruz deserves way more than the apex guy cmon,” former UFC title challenger Al Iaquinta posted.
“Congrats Dominick Cruz! One of the best to ever do it,” UFC flyweight Cody Durden said.
“Dominick Cruz getting a tribute video during an Apex card and not UFC 313, which is literally next week, doesn’t sit right with me,” one fan posted.
“Can you imagine showing a retirement highlight package for one of the greatest fighters the UFC has ever seen in front of roughly 500 people in the basement Apex?” another fan said.
“Congrats on a great career Dominick Cruz, but giving him that sendoff and with the video package at the Apex is poor.”
“Dominick Cruz retirement package in front of the f—— apex and not a real crowd…”
Cruz retires with a 24-4 professional MMA record, including successful bantamweight title defenses against Urijah Faber and Demetrious Johnson. He walks away with the most bantamweight title wins (7) in UFC/WEC history.
The UFC Hall of Fame is likely Dominick Cruz’s next fighting destination
Cruz has heard from a slew of former and current UFC standouts since announcing his retirement. This includes Dillashaw, who had a strained relationship with Cruz dating back to their bantamweight title fight in January 2016.
Cruz won 22 of his first 23 professional fights before a unanimous decision defeat to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207 to end his second bantamweight title reign. Another threat at the UFC bantamweight title fell short after back-to-back wins over Pedro Munhoz and Casey Kenney, falling to Marlon Vera by head kick knockout in his final fight.
Cruz may enter the UFC Hall of Fame later this year as part of the 2025 class. But in the meantime, he’ll look to continue establishing himself as one of the top analysts in mixed martial arts.
