Dominick Cruz Not Retiring After Marlon Vera Loss, Answers ‘Sweetheart' Jonathan Martinez

Former #UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz spoke to Ariel Helwani about his knockout loss to Marlon Vera, whether he plans to change his style, the possibility of retiring, the bantamweight division and his place in it, and breakdowns of the UFC 280 bantamweight action.
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[@MunchMusic]

Something dom said that resonated with me was "it's impossible to be in any kind of sadness when you're in gratitude." PREACH!

[@EchoArlo]

very common quote. The Seeds of Deppression cannot take root in a grateful heart" :)

[@Wesley.Deuren]

Would be so dope if that were true

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

That's bs. The competitors in him is fuming without that belt

[@briantneary2248]

Dom will be missed when he's gone, for sure. Not only the greatest 135 LB fighter to ever do it, but an honest man through and through

[@Joeyz94z]

Nah bro TJs the greatest bantamweight ever didn’t you hear him he just told everyone lol

[@pandapumper]

Dom beat tj after years off

[@Joeyz94z]

@@pandapumper I’m being sarcastic cuz TJ claimed himself as the greatest bantamweight ever lol.

[@julianworthy9417]

Master general no one cares

[@JamesKP17847]

@@pandapumper and had like 3 career ending injuries

[@OoLiiMiiT3D]

Man, how he describes the loss. I can imagine why these veterans just cant stop. It feels too good when you win, and like Dom described here, when you lose, you wake up its the first thing you think about. Must be hard to give up, what you did all your life and you are so good at it, but everyone ages and damage adds up.

[@nigelmacquillan7211]

Tis why they usually give you an easy fight to win and go off into the sunset with. I feel like that's slowly getting lost.

[@skoal91]

Well he was doing good till he wasn't. Not like he just got destroyed the whole fight so he can still throw down. Just got caught and that happens. I will say though maybe he would've ate that shot before and can't now because of previous damage taken and age but at least it was competitive. Some of these old guys like Tony are just getting demolished for 5 rounds straight and are never even in the fight and thats worse imo.

[@skoal91]

@Master General Sleepy Joe ain't it

[@kevg5883]

@@nigelmacquillan7211 yeah they’ll probably match him up with Chimaev for a retirement fight. UFC is ruthless anymore

[@plain-bagel]

@Master General Got clapped by 8 million votes. Still crying. SAD.

[@thafightgame5383]

Crazy how Dom went through a lot of injuries in his career & still outlasted a lot of fighters & still fighting at a high level respect 🫡

[@nrsolja1022]

Those injuries are probably the reason he's still able to fight. He got alot of rest and he wasn't getting punched in the head as much.

[@robertshaefer7760]

The only reason he lasted so long is BECAUSE of his injuries and Loooong layoffs! One almost 4 years! No punishment during that time so of course he would last longer than fighters that fight often.

[@brandonbey8878]

At one point Dom literally pushed the MMA culture forward with his unorthodox footwork and style. A true pioneer and LEGEND! One of the smartest minds in the game. He’s the man!

[@o.m.8936]

Now everyone says that his style stinks, it's all figured out

[@brandonbey8878]

@@o.m.8936 the game catches up it’s part of evolution but the fact remains he’s a trend setter

[@chrisgeorge84]

@@brandonbey8878 he was doing quite well against chito but i hate to say it i think his chin is gone. Dom used to take huge shots and everytime chito touched him he looked like he got rocked. His style is still very effective

[@brandonbey8878]

@@chrisgeorge84 them old legs too. You need cat like reflexes and amazing hips he’s definitely lost of that due to those knee injuries as well. Still a GOAT tho in my eyes win or lose

[@chrisgeorge84]

@@brandonbey8878 ya forsure I actually meant to respond to OM. Loo

[@drazendukat4013]

I learn so much each time listening to Dom speak about our most amazing sport. Could go on for hours and would never become boring. True legend as a fighter and as a human being!

[@victoralire5067]

As I always say, when Dom talks I listen. Dude is so intelligent and wise.

[@Onlybadtakes2589]

What a GOAT, Dom taking the time to do an interview while in prison

[@NoSc0pe78yearsago]

😂

[@cambo6911]

36:47 Surrender your pride, acceptance has a great deal to do with humility. Dominic cruz, the greatest bantamweight and one of the greatest fighters of all time. There, I said it.

[@garveysims9449]

Dom is not only a true professional, he’s a damn guru. He speaks the truth, and everyone needs to hear this. Thanks Dom 🙏🏾

[@theohuioiesin6519]

Also a know-it-all 😎

[@bluwng]

@@theohuioiesin6519his ego is showing. He got defensive with Ariel. What’s sad is how easily people are impressed.😊

[@markdavis8430]

The man the myth the mind is back, Dom is different class! Needs a podcast, fight breakdowns, take over the game

[@randyb637]

I've never actually thought about this. Dom breaking down fights on a pod.🤙

[@pointysidedown]

Yes, I would watch everyday

[@Pzapza]

Dominick you are an inspiration man. I heard about how you came back from your 2 knee injuries back to back. I was going through a tough time with injuries of my own where no matter how much I tried I was always in pain and never healing. But you gave me a lot hope and inspiration. You are much greater than just a champion in a ring.

[@jasonstrevels3098]

This was an amazing interview 👏🏼 🙌🏽

[@boogyjuggy]

One of the best...do as you please Dom.....win or learn...breathe.

[@davidgallant2944]

Dom is just a Legend and when the day comes that he does retire it will be a sad one. The knowledge he possesses is remarkable and he is a true competitor and champion. But I think he got a few more fights in him.

[@nyfolkhero]

Amazing interview from Dom as always. We gotta appreciate this legend while he’s still here

[@19mm02]

Dom can tell the truth, he isn't afraid to stick with his opinion. Great fighter, unique style that worked for a long time. He can still do it, his head is in the right place. On top off all, he has one of the best truth-trash talks!

[@dennislopez8476]

Wow that last question/response about losing & ego. That was such amazing insight

[@glasseyone2511]

How lucky are we is the best way to put it. What a legend in life. Great interview as always

[@katelyn9182]

I really look forward to Ariel and Don’s interviews. Dom is such an inspirational person- his passion for the sport is so wonderful to see/listen to. So much wisdom! Thanks for brightening my day with this!

[@corymmarules7462]

Dom is great analyst and a great guy!

[@Rob-ft6lj]

Legend. Resume like no other. Entertaining as well

[@notfrom63rd6]

so good to be hearing from dom man

[@TheRealMMAGirly_TheOther1sFake]

Tarantula MMA is Jalin Turner, not Randy Brown... "Rae-sest" - **Tyron Woodley's voice**

[@bigrockerjohnson8611]

Bro I was like no one caught that lmao

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Last fight was fun to watch, gotta appreciate the entertainment throughout the years.

[@jimmyhale736]

Cruz I believe you will get your belt back for the 3rd time. Let’s go Cruz!! u still top of this game all this time later. What a Warrior and CHAMP!

[@jimmyhale736]

What a great man. An how smart he is at MMA! always been a fan! Great fighter great man great Person for kids to look up to!

[@theemperor4901]

He's old now , I think he should win couple of fights and retire. Cruz got nothing to prove anymore.

[@TheJVG]

Really respect his self-reflection and honesty with himself at all times. Also, him saying "life is good. I come from a trailer park", you can see him now, as a grown man really appreciate everything he has done in his life. That is someone who is content in their own skin. Cruz is a pioneer, a legend, and an all-time great. Hope he can find a fight that he seems suitable for him and give it another go if that is what he wants. Team Cruz!

[@romanz9022]

Even though he lost his last fight, he looked faster than ever and really fired up.

[@Hugo-oh5zf]

Wow just wow 👌 what a great interview 👏 Dom is the GOAT so sharp in and out of the cage 👏 bravo hermano !!!

[@martinoplaya7805]

Lmao what a comment 🤣

[@kellykenney1953]

Great interview

[@johngazitua4165]

Dom is by far top 3 analyst in the sport

[@jay-mk4yt]

i wish Dom had been this vocal when he was champ, the man is brilliant and so humble, a true warrior poet!

[@lukesworkout2232]

Good interview once again.

[@purpledragonconn8485]

That last question was phenomenal great interview Ariel. Amazing interview overall.

[@corymcneil1128]

Much respect to this man for everything

[@KalinhoPL]

Legendary interview

[@limbopy6609]

so much wisdom!

[@joemarshall4254]

wow, what an insightful interview

[@leehess6335]

That’s definitely true plus you can watch other fighters how they win why they lost not just yourself especially guys who fight the same style as your self 👊👊👊💪💪💪

[@fgtypezero0684]

Always look forward to dominator interviews

[@mattherr4683]

I’ll always be a dom fan because of how real this dude is

[@henryowens396]

Part of me is happy Dom isn't retiring because he's still elite skill wise, but a part of me is worried because his chin was failing him against vera quite a bit it seemed. Of course that head kick KO's anyone, but he was getting dropped with shots prior the old him would've ate just fine

[@ghosthabanero9229]

Its more that Dom need to change his style injuries and age slowed him so now he's getting hit more

[@theemperor4901]

He should win couple of fights and retire. Don't follow the silva story

[@alexerickson6331]

Dom might only have a few more, depending on how his next fight goes, gotta enjoy him while he’s still fighting

[@chapinero017]

Cruz is just one of a kind man! Speedy recovery champ!!

[@tacosdelamor1306]

Legend!!!

[@jryce]

34:53 Dom always gives the most objective and heartfelt answers, love this. Shout-out to Ariel for asking the question of course.

[@marshkid1]

Love this guy!

[@CodyOnIce]

Dominic Cruz is a class act. A total professional. Arguably the greatest bantamweight of all time and one of the best analysts in the sport. He’s a true pioneer of the sport and I can’t wait to see him win the next one.

[@karlricardo4088]

Legend

[@Casso510]

29:50 Man I don't like Cruz in the commentary booth but he elaborated that scenario of how Sean could get the upset perfectly.. And it actually happened lol!

[@franciscomendoza9071]

Great start !!! Love his good vibes

[@closinginonclosure]

21:00 The USADA point is a big one in my book too. Especially EPO and that TJ was constantly accused and known to be using EPO before he'd ever been caught by USADA. Speaking of bantamweights and USADA. I find it weird that everyone ignores O'malleys USADA violation and suspension for Osterine. Maybe it's because he has a lot of new and casual fans who just started following him through social media after his suspension was over. So they just aren't aware.

[@closinginonclosure]

@@shadow_realm47 Oh yeah that's right, it was NYSAC. I'm so used to mentioning USADA when talking about doping violations that I kind of auto piloted through that part. But yeah you're right it was NY athletic commission.

[@cambo6911]

20:14 Thank you!

[@DoenerDuesentrieb]

maaaan I love Dom interviews

[@StormyNormy]

Dom won the debate on who’s bantam weight goat when he mentioned the steroids stuff 😂🤭🤣🔥. Can’t wait to see him return to the octagon!

[@IYUB30]

I was watching Ariel on day 1. The MMA world has made him incredibly hard. Becoming a father changed him too and made him more fearless. I miss the old fun-loving Ariel, but truth is we will never get him back. He deserves the best though. He's worked hard as hell for what he has. God Bless.

[@TerryTruthseeker]

His round with the ufc and ESPN made him bitter I think. He got chewed up and spit out.

[@petedawson5875]

Is he really that different? He seems pretty fun to me, but I never knew of him way back when!

[@joshuahind]

Dom looking like he’s talking to him from the holding cell

[@alexortiz5660]

Thank you Dominck Cruz for your wise words. You may have changed everything.

[@cambo6911]

38:32 Humility

[@nicojesunavarro1905]

he thinks to much and tries to justify everything for himself. it's like saying the right things but proving the opposite

[@tayloryoung4848]

Tucson arizona stand up !!!🤙

[@SanyamJain1989]

0:35 - Dom is such a legend.

[@bigweiner4208]

Frankie said something interesting about his fight with Chito and said had he or Dom been abit younger it's very likely the durability of these guys in their prime would have been the deciding factor in a fight with someone like Vera. Vera's biggest wins are against guys out of their prime in a fights he was losing on the cards.

[@CombateSports]

Edgar fight vas 1-1 on judges score cards with a clear 3th for chito and the cruz was 2 and 2 , what are u talking about lol , durability ? You think that with more durability will survive to that kick? Haha no way

[@kiaandavids755]

@@CombateSports the reason it was 2-2 was because of the knockdowns. he’s implying that if cruz was younger and more durable, it wouldn’t have been close. cruz specifically began to take risks which led to the headkick because of knockdowns.

[@sbt9049]

Dominick literally has a mind for MMA. He speaks real fans listen

[@Rob-ft6lj]

Run it back with Cody

[@2stepsforward4stepsback]

How savage is this guy,he would have been a gladiator back in the day 100% big fan. He got his nose completely smashed with a brutal head kick and has watched that 5 times. Damn. I used to think it was aragance now I know its not

[@pakhtun7639]

Dom truly the greatest thinker of ufc and the goat of bantamweight. Whats sad is people tend to not appreciate him unaware of his injury prone career and that loss to Cody. Prime non injury prone Cruz wouldve killed cody. Guy defeated a whole team of alpha male, that in itself is an. Achievement. Not to mention his comeback against tj pedshaw which is considered to be the greatest comeback fight of all time.

[@ILOVEMMA_]

Yeah I love Cody but a healthy Dom wouldve made the fight a lot more competitive, bc Cody had Cruz hitting air and usually Cruz is who makes the opponent look silly

[@rarehecate9324]

i can hear dominick talk about anything the whole day

[@Punlio]

Cruz is talking like he just got done from a DMT trip

[@CBFW_KO]

It is very nice to see Dom happy

[@1986Unlimited]

He's getting killed with kicks cause he leans to evade punches to the head and his guard is low. Both reasons leave him vulnerable to any kind of roundhouse coming at an upper angle. I get it, he keeps the hands down for mobility and that worked in the past, but the game's evolved and he's pushing 40. He's incredibly athletic but adjustments are required.

[@stephaniedelrio2350]

I love me some Dominick interviews .

[@maded1988]

The greatest of all time. Dom 🔥🔥🔥

[@cambo6911]

37:44 👍

[@mylonkleven454]

What an insight 👌🏼…Cruz still rules YNWA

[@BDtheZero]

Dom needs to be splitting detailed with DC

[@petar2253]

Dom for is in the situation that tony is in Its time for the both of them no need to take anymore damage

[@joshm8661]

Sterling didn't mention Vera because he doesn't want any of him, Vera is such a humble man and I like him more and more just because he actually seems like he doesn't try to be something he's not, just is who he is.

[@KidoMMA23]

He did though. He called him out in both the post fight interview and the show ("Cheeto's dorito's can get it")

[@joshm8661]

@@KidoMMA23 oh got ya, that's my bad. I wasn't aware of that

[@cambo6911]

1:58 👍

[@bodacious9001]

I freaking love the dom interview!!!!! Keep killing it domer!!!

[@derrickfinney8081]

He talks the most junk about everyone else like he's the expert on mma and they're not then gets beat.

[@doubtannihilator2895]

It's hard...maybe he still has it. I wish him all the best...

[@justinlyle7831]

That's a great perspective because you got your head kicked into the bleachers the other day. I thought that's what he was going to say LOL

[@DavidWied]

Dom being Dom from the get go😂

[@livingcreatures3572]

Not switch pitching

[@Ty-oe4dr]

cruz vs aldo is a dream matchup that should have happened and i am so crushed

[@m6chael]

Dom is my favorite fighter to listen to

[@theboogeyman9813]

Cruz vs Dillashaw make it happen

[@lurk7411]

Yes!!! The first fight was true Martial ART on a canvas

[@cambo6911]

33:25 👍

[@jelorer]

randy "rude boy brown". 6'3 welterweight. fun watch. dont think he's that young. he's like 31-32. he looks young though.

[@matej6418]

Dude needs to hang up his gloves. "I m great, I m outstanding" said no one ever when they actually felt great.

[@parchment2948]

Dom is awesome

[@monkpato]

Dom is perhaps the most remarkable person in the sport.

[@ToadyWoods]

Don’t gamble guys😊😊

[@mikejimenez7193]

Love dom but he definitely couldn’t have dropped him. Chito was just stalking him he gave away those rounds

[@MattS242]

I love Dom Cruz

[@cambo6911]

37:06 Ego is directly associated to pride and is not needed for drive and determination. Sorry not sorry, Dominic, you're wrong on this one.

[@theboogeyman9813]

Sounds like he can't breathe out of his nose well

[@MassConstrictors]

He needs to fight Frankie Edgar for very time in fights it would be such a great flight and they’re both still ranked

[@TheFuzzyRooster20]

Probably not the best time to bring up Russell Wilson for motivation 😅

[@jeffc7470]

I was thinking the same thing. 😬😬😬