Joe Rogan talks to Dominick Cruz about his injury streak

Dominick Cruz talks about his injury streak, and how he overcame the mental anguish of not being able to compete.
Taken from Joe Rogan Experience #921

[@Finger_Lock_]

This really inspires me, I tore my ACL and meniscus, 17 yo bjj blue belt competitor, trying to deal without trainig martial arts for the next 8 months, working on my rehab and will come back stronger than ever.

[@nitramdurcek]

Bro hope you've managed it and now back on track! :)

[@alexdangerjarman1994]

Same here man, keep up that physio 👍

[@happydays6649]

Hey what happened man? You made it through rehab? Hope you are doing well

[@simonb7048]

i hope you managed to bounce back bro

[@c.hillmusictv]

Your so young man. Your going to learn and get so much better. Here’s something that might help. I didn’t start training until 18. I’m 21 and I got my blue belt at 20. You have a long road ahead to black belt. The big picture is stil there.

[@Rocko1990]

7:24. Dom didn't wanna admit he cried. It's alright bro. Men cry too.

[@justbleedprod.9414]

Nice catch. I never noticed that, you can tell he was about say that he cried but then he was like naaaa lol

[@Rocko1990]

@@justbleedprod.9414 Yeah that was my perception as well

[@Greenriver842]

You can learn so much from Dom, he's such a great guy.

[@jakeblaze7663]

Yessir. Like he said people like him need to be around in this world.

[@trojansasori3526]

Yes. I don't know why peoples hates him

[@SoGnarly33]

@@jakeblaze7663 kokko kkoklkk😑

[@THEHARMONIKZ]

@@trojansasori3526 He's a knob. He admits it. I'm okay with it too.

[@spencerantoniomarlen-starr3069]

@@THEHARMONIKZ what is a "knob,"? I amount a lifelong English speaker and I have never heard that word before.

[@nickbyrden3402]

Dom’s story is so important for fighters and athletes in general. Dealing sickness and depression, I can’t wait to get back to training but I accept that fighting is temporary and can be taken away.

[@stefanvalerio490]

Dom is so eloquent and genuine. This particular segment was especially inspiring

[@saadullahjamal5146]

This has been the most emotionally uplifting thing for someone like me who has gone through sports injuries and knows how much mental toll it has on a person. Truly amazing to hear something like this.

[@ensirakor3063]

I've been through a string of injuries doing BJJ and it does take a mental toll. The desire to continue to do what you love, the feeling that others are passing you by, that your athletic window is closing, trying to find something else to center your life on.

[@giggiy4032]

Blew my knee and torn mcl in my Mma fight, this is helping to get the motivation to get back.

[@00jmac13]

I'm sitting with a knee brace on and an ACL tear. This guy has a great outlook

[@robertherrera3556]

I’m doing the same thing right now I been on crutches for a week and 1 day and it’s tough. It’s the beginning of 2021 and I’m starting with a torn ACL and MCL. It feels good to hear and read Im not the only one that’s gone through such a horrible injury. Im gonna be working everyday now hoping to recover and start 2022 right .

[@adels.185]

@@robertherrera3556 Hey man I got the same injury, how is it going after 6 months?

[@robertherrera3556]

@@adels.185 a lot better the knee is not the same as it used to be before surgery but you can go back to a normal life just feels risky running or doing any thing that could lead to a weird twisting kind of fall or act . The first few weeks are the worse after about 3 months life starts getting back to normal . I wish you a speedy recovery .

[@adels.185]

@@robertherrera3556 Thanks brother, btw when did you start walking without crutches?

[@robertherrera3556]

@@adels.185 I was in physical therapy the next day after surgery. I lost the crutches in about 4-5 days . There’s a lot of factors when to lose your crutches your doctor will tell you. I know it sucks being on crutches and depending on others . Wear your brace and ask your doctor what’s the angle of adjustment you should be at . It gets a lot better when you lose the crutches hang in there it’s not forever

[@neilmacphail2534]

ive watched a lot of joe rogan the past three years and this is hands down the most helpful video someone plagued with multiple injuries in any athletic capacity can learn from. that your mind sets you up for injuries and sometimes we need an example of role model to say "hey me too"

[@travistravis7190]

Everyone in these comments seem to be an injured mma fighter.

[@Fer-un9vh]

Rugby

[@theowainwright7406]

mate tore his acl skateboarding and then corona hit and couldn’t get surgery

[@Sambigs9112]

@@theowainwright7406 damn lolll

[@brianbradley1345]

@@theowainwright7406 same but soccer and skateboarding and I tore my medial meniscus all over a failed ball roll weirdest thing ever

[@dranreb1118]

Lol. Been impatient for weeks its been fucking hard sitting around. But this was great. Really helped me think things through.

[@talon3684]

I very much identify with Dom in life -- not so much on the fight aspects because I'm not a competitive fighter but in matters of life, struggles, learning in adversity, bodily injury, depression, a whole range of things he talked about. And hearing someone talk about this in full without holding back.... wow. This was an empowering and freeing interview and having been through similar spiritual, emotional, and thought-process experiences as he has, I know many hearing this, having gone through similar things would be encouraged and it'd help to really break down mental walls. It is a real thing people face that will keep you from growing and being all you can be until you deal and learn that lesson head-on and process what it is that makes you tick, what really matters and how to break through it. It may require additional help but when learned and applied, it moves mountains. Much appreciation to Joe to just let Dom speak freely on this.

[@michaelz1757]

Brilliant

[@richardiced-out424]

I had 3 knee surgeries before 19 as a soccer player still playing today because of Dom. ❤️

[@brianbradley1345]

Dang I tore my medial meniscus I wonder if weight gain has to do with it it happened on a barefoit ball roll at a weird angle

[@richardiced-out424]

@benadryl cabbagepatch ACL reconstruction got healed went to a showcase, some kid tackled me with both studs up on the same leg re tore the acl completely as well as partial Meniscus tear so basically a repeat surgery. about a year and half after that, I had to let go of my d2 scholarship because my leg would bother me when I went to cut sharply and it turns out the cap that was holding my screw into place had popped off and was floating around causing that severe pain when I cut hard which was actually a relief because I thought i had done something worse too it, but once they removed the cap and I let the incisions heal i was back balling every day and I’m still chasing the dream! I plan on trying out for some semi pro teams at the start of next year! Always drawing inspiration from guys like dom!

[@genesisguzman6685]

@@richardiced-out424 how did you deal with the process of healing all over again? my boyfriend just recently tore his acl for the 3rd time at 19 like you. he’s so down right now and wants to quit playing soccer for good.

[@Realmomad]

@@genesisguzman6685 I’m sorry about it,how is he now?…

[@To0Slick]

Too many people sleep on Dom. Always loved this guy

[@mr2nut123]

If I ever feel down in life, I always load up a Rogan video. So inspirational and calming.

[@mambonero9689]

I can relate to it and this was so helpful, blew my ACL a year and a half ago playing football with friends, after the surgery I tried to get back into mma training asap (after 8 months) and blew it again, but this time it wasn’t only my ACL but my medial and lateral meniscus as well as the ACL. I’m still waiting for my second ACL reconstruction and meniscus replacement. All this time I was just fighting myself, telling myself that I was stronger than the injury, that my comeback is gonna be stronger and kept training (even tho I’m not supposed to), but until now nothing worked. After hearing Cruz imma just let my leg heal up before I go back to hardcore training. Just take my time to heal emotionally before healing physically.

[@bhumanyusingh6347]

All the best brother.

[@D1man1525]

Are you back at training?

[@Danielptwa]

I saw this interview when it came out, as I was looking out for Dom and Cain recoveries, searching for some hope to deal with my own spinal injury and neuralgia. As Dom explains, relief the pressure around your expectations is essential to really focus on recovery and watching this interview was all the insight I needed to keep going. Thanks for opening up.

[@BopCentral808]

So inspiring everyone goes through hard times

[@camronwatson2068]

I know I am a good 2 years late on this, but it was recommended to me from a friend and I truly enjoyed it. I personally am the same way, I constantly want to be in control and I need to let go and not focus on the things I can't control. I am dealing with a few different injuries due to lack of recovery in weight training and it's showing me who I truly am without it. Sometimes we all need hardship to take away our mask and unveil who we truly are in order to make us better as individuals.

[@dylangreen7994]

Amazing video. I've seen most of Joe's podcast and this is a top 10. Needs more views.

[@epikcyne]

This dude is pretty cool man. Very down-to-earth and has a lot of knowledge on the human body.

[@Crunch_Buttsteak]

Very powerful & inspirational Mr. Cruz. Really appreciate this podcast 👍

[@dallaslewis5576]

Thank you for this Dom I needed to hear it

[@carlosporrata4295]

This was a great interview. Really deep insight from Dominic. Everybody can learn from this.

[@jasjotsingh5461]

Bro looks like a younger version of Robert De Niro

[@MantisGotSwagga]

So Relatable, I'm someone who is/was seeking to become a pro athlete in boxing or mma. Just Ruptured my ACL for the 2nd time during quarantine, 9 months since my first reconstruction. And went from Top of the world, to Rock Bottom. experiencing the same emotions you where Dominick. thanks for sharing and inspiring us Dom.

[@theowainwright7406]

you don’t need to go back and prove urself instantly, bide ur time and come back at ur strongest

[@czycam]

Tore mine in August, I was at my happiest. Crazy how quick an injury can flip a mindset.

[@erdiegoer]

Such a great guy

[@agalleyne]

Dom is one of my favorite fighters of all time - definite future UFC Hall of Fame candidate. Glad I got into the sport early enough to see him fight a few times, sad he stepped away from competition so soon, but he's great calling fights from the apron. Super smart fighter, like a Lomachenko of the octagon.

[@tylerjeffer8855]

i bet your happy to see him now, just best pedro munhoz and came back from being dropped in the first round. Dom is a real badass bro one of my favorite fighters

[@derrickw3360]

I live in Milwaukee and when Jabari Parker used to play for the Bucks he tore his acl/mcl and was out for a whole season recovering. He came back and he did the same thing again, tore both the acl/mcl. I watched them both happen live so I know that happened but Dominick went thru 3, thats crazy. I give him props for continuing to fight to come back and not giving up especially after the 3rd time. Michael Redd for the Bucks did it twice too I think. Bucks paid him over 90million before it happened though which is some really bad luck.

[@cattlecumwewlad6941]

Here after his last victory, absolutely amazing to see him fighting without ankle wraps looking exactly like his prime self.

[@1punch974]

I strained my back during my boxing training, this is literally exactly how i feel not training. This inspires so much

[@Jairo.liriano]

Also sprained/pulled my lower back few months back on February from weight training and it sucked I took a week off training and it felt like the longest week ever, and now currently dealing with another so I know how u feel bro just keep pushing and stretching 👊🏼

[@elyfowler7404]

very consistent on the uploads

[@adrelineinaction3358]

I tore my alc back in 2016 till then i had issues with both my knees now that i am gona have some cartilage work done in the same knee and looking at my life back as i was a competitive powerlifter then now it seems true that this time has really tough me the something that is also me not being in the go go go state of that mindset and having a different outlook on life of something that is also me something that i share with cruz !! Thanks for bringing foreword

[@christophervalenzuela681]

Wow he reminds me so much of Kobe Bryant now I fully understand when Kobe was at peace with his career

[@kellymerta2855]

I love this man. Dom is such a great man inside and outside of the octagon.

[@TalkinSmackTV]

Fantastic interview.🎯

[@Fer-un9vh]

Man, after my knee surgery this is really impressive to listen to

[@lbp_tv7848]

Had to seek this, I’m recovering from a knee dislocation from Muay Thai, I am a karate brown belt who transitioned to MT and got overzealous and learned the hard way, it’s been over a year cuz I feared surgery n stuff so I’m currently waiting on surgery. I’m now 19 in the Guard waiting for surgery to recover so I can do Basic training and then condition myself to fighting condition so I can train mma. I fear getting too old to start but I feel I have potential and I feel that I can overcome it but injury sends you into the darkest realm and I feel I’m just sinking deeper and deeper but I won’t let it consume me

[@mattkite7246]

I fractured my right humerus today, almost a year after shattering my right ring finger. After watching this I think I'll get over it pretty quickly...

[@JCMIMPERSONATOR]

I broke my left ring finger badly. Looking for advice on healing. Never seem to get the information I'm looking for. This guy's helpful though !

[@TerrenceThomas]

Enlightenment 101…well done 👊🏾🙏🏾💪🏾

[@juangutierrezreyes1946]

This is an important video for most, everyone should save it just in case

[@michaelmccrory6688]

Mental floaties, Sweet I love this guy.

[@Business_NetSuite_MMA]

As a recovering addict… cruz figured out our secret. Same thing same animal…. Gotta let go dawggg. Love it. Respect to you Dom.. You’re a very intelligent fighter in more ways than one.

[@vincentpage2852]

Best podcast ever.

[@masonbronson3194]

eat well sleep well dont overdue training

[@stephenmurray2851]

PLantar Fasciitis is horrible. I have it and it has destroyed me. Absolutely destroyed me. I used to be fit as fick but now I'm depressed, sore, obese and just beaten down. I need to say though I really like this guy. A lot. Decent guy.

[@brockwarrener3504]

Try soaking in Epsom salts every day and high density foam roll every muscle in your legs

[@monkeynestor]

Stephen Murray where does he talk about plantar fasciitis?

[@aegontargaryen3862]

I am in exactly the same boat

[@Francis12345ify]

Hope you're doing well. Stay strong Stephen

[@johndoty1308]

I feel for you worst part about PF is it affects your whole body.

[@alessandrodavi2897]

My fav striking and footwork style..

[@johnniecash9708]

I learned a little something here. Good stuff.

[@calebpowell9158]

Getting ready to have my 2nd Acl reconstruction, prepared for the PT grind👍

[@theoschommer3530]

Currently rehabbing a torn patellar. We got this!

[@taylormcgrath8988]

Had two acl, one mcl, and one patellar mpfl reconstruction that removed my hamstring to use for my knee. You got this buddy!

[@billyrigoyourbeardedrealto1471]

Good stuff

[@rreganhughes]

I tore my ACL during my freshman and sophomore year of college basketball. ACL SUCKS!!!

[@rreganhughes]

Same thing happened to me. I was too eager to prove I was the best player on my team after my ACL tear that I blew it again and couldn’t even compete. Taught me a lot of life lessons about ego and perseverance

[@assiarolie543]

So deep testimony.

[@mischaelle389]

@18:12 was wondering about the drive that made him continue despite the longterm effects on his body. Glad you're doing better boo

[@urameshisama6579]

Have a tore muscle in my lower abdomen and had kidney stones behind that, it's been 4 weeks and Dominick helped me understand the psychology to get through shit like this, he is right we martial artists are truly nothing without martial arts.

[@rreganhughes]

Mike Haught LoL 4 weeks try 3 years!

[@yewchoob6575]

@@rreganhughes 3 years... try 5 years! Yeah, that’s how it feels. What was the point of your comment. Make you feel good minimising other peoples suffering?

[@guy1281]

@@yewchoob6575 I honestly dont think that was his intention... I think he was trying to make him feel better and not alone... btw 5 months here.

[@austinneves7559]

I've always liked this guy but hes really really cool man

[@drunkenmmamaster419]

Gotta respect Doms mentality in the sport of mma and in life he always keeps it real I think that's why he gets alot of hate sometimes

[@spenserswain7885]

Prime Dominick Cruz was unstoppable.

[@johnjohnsonstein8409]

I literally had the same thing.. boxing and soccer… tore my acl in some weird freak accident in a soccer game, got the surgery, they didn’t know that I had torn my meniscus at th same time until years later:.. I was literally training for q boxing match? Had to stop to get another surgery, then started training for a bjj tournament, tore my shoulder labrum, got a surgery… thought I could just tough it out… and I thought to myself why is this only happening to me? I literally stopped thinking like that, started lifting for my injured areas and haven’t been injured since, thank god. Competing in bjj tourneys regularly now: it is a mindset: you almost think something is going to happen because it already has happened, then you feel sorry for yourself and you don’t even know who you truly are if you’re physically active all of the time. Sometimes you gotta look at it as a blessing… I got right mentally and emotionally also spiritually

[@dalcala75]

Holy crap his words really spoke to me

[@dylanheckman7793]

Currently sitting 2 weeks removed from a acl reconstruction and meniscus tear and holy fucking balls does this shit sucks hopefully come back better than ever but holy shit dom speaks so many facts here

[@danielray5477]

Im ian mma fighter that torn an mcl or acl finding out rite now ... but either way its bad and this helps .. was in a bad place before this

[@mackiechang]

gotta get the views away from the other fake accounts who post clips

[@CaleebTalib]

mackiechang Jamie runs this account boy calm down. Joe ain't struggling either way lol

[@mackiechang]

that's what i meant.

[@GrubKiller436]

These MMA fighters go through a lot behind the scenes.

[@sine15]

Dom is so articulate.. Really a guy you would want to discuss random things at 3 am in a nice view.

[@giovannib1866]

Romántico

[@corycole3474]

I'm an injured mma fighter and Ive never been an mma fighter.

[@getyofundsup1232]

then you aren’t no mma fighter buddy

[@corycole3474]

@@getyofundsup1232 What gave it away?

[@getyofundsup1232]

@@corycole3474 You just said it bruh, “and i’ve never been an mma fighter”

[@guitarded82]

He’s obviously one of the tip top

[@akimbo7053]

Idk if I tore mine. But I go on runs and my right knee hurts. If yall can do it after surgery I should be able to

[@walterlippmann6292]

that was heavy

[@spencerkristich4369]

very likeable intelligent guy

[@titusiberian]

Bro, this got me in tears

[@thrnd_]

Sounds like a plot to "peaceful warrior" movie)

[@JackEstacio]

The last part is basically Michael Jordan coming out of retirement and play with the Wizards

[@mikeybello4068]

Makes sense

[@johnjohnsonstein8409]

By the way, if you have to get an acl reconstructive surgery… NEVER AND I REPEAT NEVER TAKE A CADAVER LIGAMENT. Your body most likely will not respond to it.. have them pull the ligament down from the thigh. I’ve had zero problems since. It’s been over 12 years now. It feels way stronger than before

[@sukhdevr3489]

Bantamweight GOAT. Shame injuries robbed him of at least 5 UFC fights. He had a period of 3 fights in 6 years.

[@oldcutler100]

I like how Cruz fights. He fights like Jackie Chan. from Drunking Master

[@rochahouse4883]

No, not at all..lmao

[@CBFW_KO]

My role model

[@rednosepitbulls3664]

Just tore my mcl… wanted to box again guess won’t he happening soon.. these stories really motivating but tbh injuries put you in a really dark place.

[@whome7147]

Is he the voice of actor of “How to train your Dragon” the main character

[@bendahova6196]

“Meaning you just heard what I said “ what did he mean by that

[@news_zombie]

Wrecked my quad.. my fight is in 4 days

[@theoschommer3530]

Jesus what did he do to deserve this? 😂

[@davidcasarez9590]

Do you think Dominick cruz style stresses his knee ?

[@callumwalsh4611]

Definitely the twisting and footwork is very strenuous along with his wrestling training which is also super hard on your knees

[@eZike-uq6jn]

Man was supposed to see him fight Barao, instead it was just one of the worst fuckin cards ever, they should've canceled the whole thing bastarda

[@scottswift8153]

God part is so strange. No answers, so maybe that's the answer. The mental gymnastics.

[@michaelroy7093]

Thats actually beautiful

[@WTFAndy]

Man wtf is this guy talking about