Dominick Cruz: podcast appearances and interviews

Dominick Rogelio Cruz, born March 9, 1985, is an American former professional mixed martial artist associated with the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is recognized for being the inaugural and two-time Bantamweight Champion in the UFC as well as the final Bantamweight Champion in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC). Cruz is widely regarded as one of the greatest bantamweight fighters of all time, noted for his unorthodox movement, powerful wrestling, quick striking, and unique attacking angles. He won the WEC bantamweight title in March 2010 and claimed the initial UFC Bantamweight Championship in December of the same year. After successfully defending the belt twice in 2011, Cruz faced injury setbacks starting in 2012, leading to his being stripped of the title in 2014. Demonstrating resilience, he regained the bantamweight championship on January 17, 2016, with a split-decision victory over T. J. Dillashaw. This comeback was lauded by numerous media outlets and considered one of the greatest in MMA history. According to Fight Matrix, Cruz is ranked as the greatest bantamweight of all time, having achieved five lineal title defenses across two championship reigns. In 2026, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant impact and legacy within the sport.