At UFC 324, Dominick Cruz was selected to the UFC Hall of Fame, which stands as a powerful tribute to one of the greatest bantamweights in mixed martial arts history. Throughout his remarkable career, Cruz combined elite athleticism, unmatched movement, and tactical brilliance to dominate a division and leave a lasting mark on the sport.

Cruz first rose to prominence in the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) organization, where he captured the bantamweight title in 2010 with a dominant victory over Brian Bowles. When the UFC absorbed the WEC later that year, Cruz became the promotion’s first UFC bantamweight champion. He immediately proved he belonged at the highest level, defending his title against some of the division’s most dangerous contenders.

One of Cruz’s most defining rivalries was with Urijah Faber. After losing to Faber early in his career, Cruz went on to defeat him twice in high-profile title fights, using superior footwork and wrestling to neutralize Faber’s aggression. These victories cemented Cruz as the division’s standard-bearer.

Cruz continued his reign with impressive performances against elite opponents such as Demetrious Johnson, whom he defeated by decision in 2011, and Joseph Benavidez, whom he beat twice. His ability to outmaneuver and outthink world-class fighters made him nearly impossible to solve. With constant lateral movement, rapid stance switches, and precise striking, Cruz created a style unlike anything seen before in MMA.

Injuries, however, nearly derailed his career. Multiple knee surgeries forced Cruz to spend years on the sidelines, stripping him of his title and raising doubts about his future. Many believed he would never return to championship form. Yet in one of the most remarkable comebacks in UFC history, Cruz returned in 2016 and defeated TJ Dillashaw by split decision to reclaim the bantamweight belt. The victory showcased his resilience, experience, and enduring skill.

Later in his career, Cruz continued to compete at a high level, earning notable wins over fighters such as Takeya Mizugaki and Pedro Munhoz.  Following his retirement, he became an analyst for the sport.

We here at Notinhalloffame would like to congratulate Dominick Cruz for this impending accolade.