UFC Journey Part One: Marlon Vera vs. Dominick Cruz [FULL EPISODE] | ESPN MMA

UFC Journey shows the lives of Marlon Vera and Dominick Cruz as they prepare for their main event fight at UFC Fight Night in San Diego.
#UFC #UFCSanDiego
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[@larry6400]

Dominick Cruz’s evolution is inspiring - Once a young sneering, lofty champion kid thinking the world was his, the worst tragedies fell on him, trails & tribulations that we would have understood if he was completely beaten by - it would have been okay if he was defeated by that. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare. But he managed to make that furnace carve & mould him into the best human being he could be. The guy is a True Legend🙌🦾🙏💙

[@electrixm89]

very eloquent of you, definitely one of a kind in the UFC. he's always had it in him to excel in academia I feel, doctorate level the way he talks and thinks. Inspiring dude.

[@texasboy1457]

Beautifully said. Thanks for taking the time to write that.

[@barryscott9127]

Yeh annoyingly if you have the money you can get a good fix. If you with the NHS. Say good bye to your knees.

[@clientsclick]

one of my all time favorites

[@tim9231]

I can try it

[@xor.rorschach]

We have appreciate Cruz longevity in the sport , he's out here fighting 3rd generation of best bantamweights

[@mrmolloy]

Cos he has been injured or commentating half the time

[@Marcus-gx4jr]

@@mrmolloy pointless comment seeing how it didn’t make the OPs comment any less factual lmao. L

[@jayfiggs4656]

Can we all agree that this was so much more better than the usual UFC countdown with that silly narrator trying to over exaggerate a fight card? Silence in this is golden

[@sallgoodman2323]

It's a much needed change of pace, I wouldn't mind more of this format for the Fight Nights. Especially an interesting fight like this one

[@benmcreynolds8581]

This is so much better than the embedded series. We need this every week to draw in towards showcasing more of these athlete's.

[@domdesjardins8276]

seriously!!! Im looking for part 2 and 3 like an idiot right now. i def needed that motivation. Its 5am and now im pumped lolll

[@xor.rorschach]

Chito's story is cool ...but Dom story is just something else , if Dominick beats chito and show how makes it to title fight and wins again that will most iconic mma moments and story in general and we have to count him as one of the goats , dude is now fighting 3rd generation of top 5 bantamweights

[@CubensisEnjoyer]

A lot of fighters like to cap when they describe themselves, but you can tell both of these guys are exactly who they say they are. I think Chito Vera has the edge but it would be a pretty powerful statement if Dominick Cruz were to come out and dominate somehow. Can't wait for this match up.

[@honestlee9921]

God dang kids and your jargon

[@1gbuzzin]

Chito got them crazy eyes 👀

[@PlayFloyd_IN]

I see a lot of Dominick Cruz in Marlon Vera. However, at the end of the day, there is only one Dominick and only one Marlon. Much respect to the work of both warriors. 🙏

[@IamNotTheAnswer]

Chito has forever won me over with him and his kids what a great moment to capture... What a great father and an amazing mindset

[@tyga454]

Every dude is like that with a family doesn’t make him any different

[@tyga454]

@Robert I don’t care for him at all tbh I don’t not like him but I also don’t like him he’s just another fighter

[@Cobyknows]

He won me over on the last ufc destined(journey) for the Rob font fight. Dude is pure class and a great guy

[@robertocortez1457]

@@tyga454 you want him to be your daddy

[@tyga454]

@@robertocortez1457 why would I want that?

[@os8856]

I was always a dom fan, but seeing this side of chito has made me a fan of his now, too

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

Dom's exceptional, for his time. But, unfortunately, I think unless Chito makes a big mistake, he will be a bit too much for Dom. The two are almost a decade a part. But if you take into consideration Cruz's many injuries and surgeries, they're more than 10 years apart in MMA years. Anyway, I never understand how a 5'8" guy has longer legs than HW Stipe... And the different ways he's able to use those outlier's legs, while standing, and the skills he has in BJJ... again, Dom was an exceptional fighter but his time has come and gone, I do believe...

[@trinity3422]

Jason Parillo to me is the perfect coach for a mind like Chitto’s. He taught Bisping how to cool his head, focus on his skills, and become a champion.

[@tommieseiber804]

Vera becoming on of my favorite fighter's, Cruz is already got a legacy and lot's of respect! This is gonna be a FIGHT!!

[@jakedalton6236]

This fight will be insane. No way it won’t be. Both are insane athletes and fighters.

[@genie9193]

Did you start watching UFC last week? 🙄

[@jakedalton6236]

@@genie9193 Did you take a long time coming up with that horrible joke?

[@genie9193]

@@jakedalton6236What is cruz and Vera's fighting style can you tell me?

[@jakedalton6236]

@Nuby We’ll see. Chito hasn’t beat the guys Dom has but this is Doms last run at the title tbh bc he is a bit older. I feel like Chito will find the knockout but if not I got Cruz by decision.

[@jakedalton6236]

@Nuby Yea you’re probably right, we’ll see though.

[@ruthlezz5161]

I love Dom's dog. He's been in a lot of UFC episodes:)

[@josephfiola412]

I love you Dominick, your my inspiration

[@goodxd701]

These guys deserve a lot more attention. Dominic Cruz is literally a former champion and still at the rankings

[@Sy-lm9bk]

Literally the FIRST bantamweight champ and still here

[@RMichaelHimself]

Dom and Aldo have similar storylines. Became dominant champs in the lower weights of WEC, came straight into the UFC as champs, defended it. Then lost the title. And now are both past their primes yet still winning impressive fights against top level fighters.

[@Bratfan_peace]

Anyone else notice both Cruz and Chito have the same pet lol

[@zmortha12]

Every one of these style specials have been really compelling. This is one of the best ways to promote the fights.

[@TypicalZain]

This was great to watch

[@LP3me]

Man I never knew about Dominick’s upbringing until this video. I’ve been a longtime fan and he’s always seemed to fight with a chip on his shoulder. Now I see why. Love this video series , can’t believe I never heard of it until now. I’ve watched almost all the Embeddeds and countdown shoes before a PPV. I didn’t they did these behind the scenes show for a fight night. Awesome stuff, thank you.

[@DrAverage444]

When chito told his kids they could only run on the grass when the was getting sprayed with water, the dad in me smiled lmao. I’m the same way with my son. I have to pay attention for him cuz he is wide open

[@hurrifanc.3434]

This fight breaks my heart. I love both these guys. May the best man win. Unfortunately for them they're in murders row and there's another guy i love who's probably better than both of em luckily he'll be putting Sideshow bob O'malley in a casket!

[@gasparsmusic]

Would be cool to see Cruz get this win but man … chito just doesn’t give a f*ck. Excited for this one

[@benmcreynolds8581]

That Rob Font fight was Nuts. He was getting swarmed and beat up most the Early fight. Then destroyed Rob at the later half. Then Chito looked like he took NO DAMAGE! It's insane.

[@jackpoole6916]

Coaches are always clueless “chito has beaten better fighters than Cruz” I don’t think so lmao that’s the bantamweight goat you’re talking about🤣

[@longliveantoniovalencia9626]

Well done ESPN 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Vamos Chito!!! 👊👊💪💪 🇪🇨

[@kanthony9154]

🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨Ecuador hjp, y vamos para el mundial en diciembre 🏆🔥

[@markdavis8430]

We need these every week PLS ,, good luck to all on the card Lets go

[@balaclavabilly]

Viva Ecuador 🇪🇨 and thats from a black British African ❤

[@WylieKoyote]

So I've had 2 ACL ruptures, 2 reconstructions. He's had 3. I understand his journey and I'm a physical therapist. Worst pain I've endured is in physio. Good luck, Dom, you're an inspiration 👍💪

[@maug323]

How many fighters can honestly say they would still be trying to fight after going through everything Cruz has? Not only that, but coming back and continuing to stay competitive in the top 10 of his division. Dude is a savage

[@E_T98]

I’m not going to lie…I watch legit every single one of these videos before they fight to get into the fight and I have to say this is HANDS DOWN the best one I’ve ever seen no question. Can’t even explain it. Cannot wait for this fight.

[@andrewbuckman7169]

One of those fights where u want both guys to win. Can’t wait

[@sukhdevr3489]

Na, I definitely hope Cruz wins lol.

[@andrewbuckman7169]

@@sukhdevr3489 can’t hate. Just think chito has all the momentum and is more durable against the top of the division. But again, the either way the fight goes, I’d be happy

[@Hawkfan4life88]

Exactly, I think this is make or break for Dom. If he looses i think he hangs it up

[@sukhdevr3489]

@@andrewbuckman7169 True. If Cruz wins it further solidifies how great he is, beating one of the best fighters in the division despite being 10 years past his prime.

[@langtryvlogme]

True

[@iwishicouldsaveyou3954]

I'm rooting for Chito but sending respect, love and good vibes Cruz's way and wishing his Dad well.

[@combatx3373]

Man i like both fighters .. may the best man win

[@Azariah197]

That last line 😂 but also 💥😡💪🏼🔥

[@300blkreepin]

Jesus...Chito gave me the chills. "I just stick to plan A. Because, I'm really good at making one plan. I don't make options, its's either DO IT OR DIE." 🥶🥶🥶

[@Wethepeople911]

I honestly think it is very possible Chito retires Dom. He is the dark horse of the best division in the world. But Dom is a legend. Can’t wait!!

[@thebarrochannel]

Good for Vera. He’s happy living the American dream. Guerrero de Ecuador. And Dominick is such an avid competitor. I’m a fan of both fighters

[@travisdray1221]

6:36 Haha, that cut to Dom just getting repaired up like some broken machine. I know both no doubt get recovery, but haha just really goes along with his story of being injured/sidelined for ages. Dom really has had a rough go of it.

[@mickwritesmaui]

Chito (#6) is fighting Dom (#9), and Sean O’Malley (#14) is fighting Petr Yan (#1). On their way up, Suga got no name fights (except for Munoz), while Vera had to fight the toughest guys. This is an aspect of the UFC that frustrates me as a fan.

[@anarminov4711]

Man i hate that match up, i love them both and i hate that one of them have to lose!

[@rich45davis]

How did you actually get Cruz to open up?! Fantastic coverage.

[@jeremiahfreitag5242]

In the beginning when Chito was spraying his garden I could have swore those look like bud trees by the fence

[@lakebennett1274]

One of the smartest bantamweights all time vs one of the toughest 💯

[@Rex1010best]

Can they both win? I don’t want to see either lose…unfortunately I feel a knockout or a close decision this fight is amazing!

[@R7SOUL]

Don't see it going well for Cruz, and 10min peace on injuries, unfortunately, feels like a prep for why Saturday doesn't go well for him. Zero negative on the OG; he had a solid career with some nice highlights. Hoping for an epic fight for both fighters.

[@bartekpodogrodzki6057]

Props again for production team. Such a great job with that.

[@capacityseveneightseven26]

Rooting for chito because his tatoos are actually badass and not cringe like other fighters.

[@karlricardo4088]

He's got a few pieces done by Bert Krak.

[@benjac9]

The Mind of Dominic Cruz is an inspiring intellectual experience of purpose to assimilate.

[@frankzappa951]

Nothing but respect for Chitos hustle.

[@waalex11]

I wish these exclusive series and interviews of ESPN+ would be available for Non-US viewers.

[@waalex11]

Two Powerful Minded Guys. As a fan of both, I'll hate to see either lose.

[@sergeantfirstclassb4998]

Top notch production

[@aleas799]

Cruz seems to always find a way but I think Vera at the point is primed for Cruz

[@Joshrayos]

These fighters are wise

[@KetoFamily0808]

Representing Ecuador well

[@p0werl0ve]

this card is based on this single fight. hopefully they will be well compensated.

[@Gg-wh3vi]

And I can’t wait for it

[@Chrissuave.]

Great episode.

[@monty1691]

this should have more views

[@ChelseaMan31]

Wrong fight UFC has made putting two blue collar guys against each other. Yan is smart avoiding Chito and O'Malley getting the nod over Dom and Chito just cause he has more social media following.

[@chadstacw]

He's been my favourite fighter since wec days man I love this guy!!

[@wordsfrom1985]

Man I love Dom so much but I really think this is a bad match up for him ... 😪 I'm hoping for a Cruz win 🏆 but my head says Vera stoppage

[@99kUp]

Trust me David, Cruz will pick him apart, he doesn’t lose these, thank me later

[@wordsfrom1985]

@@99kUp man I wish I had your confidence haha 😄👌🏻 I really hope you're right

[@Cristh696969]

@@99kUp that's unfortunate

[@Wcc815]

Dom been sparring hard

[@myfavedits71]

Its hard not to root for Chito

[@carlosm4516]

im hyped for this fight

[@pedrocolo25]

What a fight

[@chuyvee505]

Man I can watch this type of content all day if I could.. Awesome Job👌🏼

[@unkn3141]

LoOVEe!! Listening to the Dominator!! Probably the most articulate and methodical fighters in the game!!

[@blessembreaks]

It sucks that a top 10 fighter in the world like Chito lives in such a dump. He and his family deserve better, pay the fighters Dana

[@Bluzzee]

I hop the ufc adds him soon to the game

[@Bluzzee]

Aye yoo chito just got added too bad I gotta work tonight 😂

[@SpookyRedz]

I’m a fan of Chito too , Chito is in a class of his own too

[@coopersand911]

As much as people are saying that Dom will take it... which as talented as he his, he definitely has a chance. Chito is faster, younger, and way less injured. I think Chito will take it, but not easily

[@darkcadence938]

Its going to be a good fight, both fighters are so different from each other.....

[@wonbed4288]

espn do this for every fight night

[@iamalex4life]

Keith peterson liked this

[@aleksmoran.]

big fan of chito vera, love this guy hes a very humble hungry human being

[@TheChessNeck]

"It's either do it, or die" wow Chito is a fun guy to watch. Can't wait for this fight

[@peekos]

Seeing Dom getting All that treatment on his back makes me think chito will win this fight

[@jeremiahfreitag5242]

yep I was thinking the same thing too

[@lil3ric88]

??? Dom has been getting treatment his whole career. It’s literally a way to keep him healthy, how does that have any indication

[@peekos]

@@lil3ric88 Lol we’ll see. Dude is made out of glass. I’m sure all his injuries have permanently affected his athleticism and explosiveness

[@xor.rorschach]

@@peekos dude made out of glasses have 8 world title belts at home , about to have 9 after he beats chito

[@peekos]

@@xor.rorschach first of all, that’s impossible because this isn’t a title fight. Second, just because he won titles last decade doesn’t mean he’s the same fighter today.

[@selrachabu8412]

I love Dominic but this will be the toughest fight of his career. Good luck to both

[@RedRumble14]

Would love to see more athletes talking about their injuries and rehab process! It’s so much work people have no idea

[@ryanmaher989]

Last loss besides last night was Trip C 2 years ago. He'll keep fightin

[@carinalandmesser6224]

Wow fan of both men hate to see one lose. Dom is so wise and his IQ, footwork, and experience could get him a win. His chin and knees are his weakness. Chito ceiling is high so good luck to both. His slow start like Petr Yan is why Dominic is a live dog. He take first round. Win one round then try hard in one other round to outpoint and win. If Chito catches him ouch

[@christiansigrist9244]

WHen Cruz defeated Munhoz I was really impressed. I think Chito will be to tough, he is like a honey badger, and Cruz is prone to injuries so in the end I think Cruz will lose via a TKO.

[@ronaldchannel]

Very accurate .

[@anonuser3653]

Dominick must be SOOO annoying to be around I bet 100% he’s not married or even has a gf lol I wouldn’t be able to stand him for even 10min 💀

[@mightynathaniel5355]

lot of B. S phoney stuff he is having done, like cupping, so much false belief and weirdness can be done by athletes throwing away earnings.

[@silba-lo4020]

Oh man, seeing Cruz now and what he has done in this sport and facing the other guy you're rooting for is.... there are just no words to describe this. Cruz has become so wise, his story, his desire to keep it going in the game, RESPECT. Chito has grown so much in this sport, becoming the first Ecuadorian ever in the UFC, facing legends, RESPECT. Vamos Chito, vamos Ecuador🇪🇨!

[@RollTideRoll_GSP]

BW is definitely one of the best divisions in the world now, the talent level at 135 is so deep. Hardest it’s ever been for Dom and I honestly don’t think he’s one of the top 2-3 guys in the division anymore. But, if there’s any guy in the world who has the tenacity to fight his way back to the top it’s Cruz!

[@tim9231]

Can someone PLEASE!!! Tell me, what song is at :8:09

[@Blade_98]

LETS GO CHITO

[@sledge2002]

I don't want either of them to lose

[@slowpipe3687]

These series are awesomeee such an inspiration this is

[@INDIGE_STUDIO]

Pro content Gg.

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

It's tough to pick a side. Gonna be a good fight.

[@m6chael]

Rooting for Dom man

[@magnuswalton8974]

Vera is going to seriously hurt Cruz. I don’t think this fight should be sanctioned

[@Zach-ge3kj]

Dominic is very critical thinker

[@odacious2571]

Cruz the only dude I’ve ever heard of that had 3 jobs and still got off by 5pm to go train lmao

[@saidesimon3144]

Man i didnt know Chito is a farmer but it explains a lot. This fight is interesting because Chito looks like the clear winner but you can't count a guy like Dom out.

[@Loco5919]

THIS WILL BE THE BIGGEST FIGHT IN UFC HISTORY 100%

[@mentemystyka8785]

Vamos Chito!!! Ecuador Contigo Siempre!!! 🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨🇪🇨