Dominick Cruz, a standout in the bantamweight division of mixed martial arts, has been officially announced as a member of the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The announcement was made during UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, marking Cruz as the first inductee of the year.
Induction Details
Cruz will be honored in the Hall’s Modern Wing, which celebrates fighters who turned professional on or after November 17, 2000. His induction ceremony is scheduled for this summer, making him the 17th fighter to be inducted into this prestigious category.
Career Achievements
UFC president Dana White expressed his admiration, calling Cruz one of the greatest bantamweights in the history of combat sports. “Dominick was an amazing athlete who set the standard for bantamweights, and it will be an honour to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer,” White stated.
Fighting Record
Over a remarkable 17-year career, Cruz participated in 28 professional MMA bouts, achieving a record of 24 wins and 4 losses. His UFC record stands out at 14 wins and 2 losses.
Title Defenses and Records
- Notable title defenses against Urijah Faber at UFC 132 and UFC 199.
- Achieved five consecutive title fight victories from December 2010 to June 2016.
- Holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC bantamweight history at 1,117 days.
- Holds the record for the most title fight wins in UFC/WEC history (seven).
- Tied for the most wins in UFC/WEC history with 14.
Notable Fights and Retirement
Cruz made his professional debut in 2005 at Rage in the Cage 67 and faced Urijah Faber in his first title fight in March 2007 at WEC 26, where he suffered his only loss to Faber. The veteran fighter’s final match occurred on August 13, 2022, against Marlon Vera, after which he announced his retirement in February 2025.
Dominick Cruz’s journey in the octagon showcases his exceptional skills and resilience, cementing his legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.
