UFC Journey: The aftermath of Marlon Vera’s win vs. Dominick Cruz | ESPN MMA

In this excerpt from Part Two of UFC Journey on ESPN+, go behind the scenes with Marlon Vera and Dominick Cruz after the main event of UFC San Diego.
#UFC #Vera #Cruz
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[@mylesmcgee4720]

Man this sport seems like it has the lowest lows. Respect to all the fighters who risk their life every time they step in the cage.

[@specimen9661]

Lowest lows

[@calvincalvin3132]

I think u said that wrong

[@Itsfatso]

Highest lows? As in the lows people go through aren't as low as other sports or fields?

[@gamebred6995]

Highest lows? 😂

[@gilpetro]

😂 come again?!

[@manus6702]

That walk out of the octagon after a ko loss must be so brutal to go through

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

Don’s lucky. He’s only had to do it 3-4 times in his career, right?

[@FatelHits]

Nah, they hardly remember walking out the cage. Being KOed takes a while for your conscious to fully come back.

[@440-fishermandrock8]

@@thomasminarchickjr.7355 Don? Casual alert ⚠️ 📢

[@theMerovingianMan]

As long as you still walking

[@manus6702]

@@thomasminarchickjr.7355 wasn’t this his first time being knocked out? I could be remembering that wrong though

[@letsgochamp2023]

Sergio Martinez: “I finished the fight with Chavez Jr and had 1,600 missed calls. When I lost my fight with Cotto, I had four missed calls. One was from a withheld number and the other three were from my mother. That put everything in its place.”

[@Cub__]

They only love you when your winning and in the spotlight.

[@TheFreakingpanda]

I think it’s because they know you’re in a bad headspace and want to give you space. I’m sure his gym clapped for him when he came home

[@maltheri9833]

@@TheFreakingpanda I'd call my homie if I saw him lose on TV but if it's not super close I'd let him get his mind right first. He's not gonna wanna hear from me

[@trumpforKing808]

Yeah cause they don't wanna bother you, in your loss.

[@edwardbrito4010]

Agreed don’t forget about those rode with you at your lowest.

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI]

Its really important that fans see both sides of the spectrum like this. Maybe the casuals will have a tiny bit of respect seeing what these athletes go thru

[@derekd7756]

I doubt it’ll make a difference. Some folks will always be despicable.

[@mikeg8357]

Bro ur so great to the fighters you prob don’t even buy PPV😂

[@theMerovingianMan]

I agree it's important to see both sides of the coin

[@AndersRosendalBJJ]

Nah, they'll just write something nasty about it because they don't like the guy

[@AndersRosendalBJJ]

@@mikeg8357 You should never buy the PPV. Don't support that shitty company

[@aryamanchatterji2444]

Even after eating that vicious kick, Dom walked back on his own two feet with his chin up, he's a true legend of the sport. Chito is a scary dude at 135lbs.

[@dauwhaan613]

Chito does not look 135 it's scary

[@joecascetti8375]

Part of the legacy of the sport is the kind of person you are outside the ring, and Dom is impossible to dislike. He officially had up round up on marlon before the KO anyway though. I figure it's easier to correct a tendency to dip than just getting outpointed so maybe Dom can make another run

[@jameschristopher3405]

Legendarily douche

[@mikebarratt6767]

@@joecascetti8375 more like Cruz is impossible to like the guy is unbearable. And plus he thinks he can just dance around for five rounds and get the job done not no more with the standard of the bantamweight division being much higher than it was when he was winning

[@countrees7977]

Bro dom is bad mfer. He was winning that fight till that kick landed

[@ngz1123]

These segments are some of the most visceral moments in the history of sports. No offense to team sports like basketball or soccer, but it will never be this heartbreaking and real when you lose a game compared to losing a fight. It's just a whole other level of real.

[@maxsf9267]

Spot on

[@VisceralCarbon]

Obviously, because it’s all on you , your shoulders to get it done.

[@herculez6087]

Without a doubt

[@gpapatgpapat2998]

@@VisceralCarbon you are correct. That’s why when I heard Lauren Murphy say she lost to Valentina because her coach wasn’t in her corner due to Covid. Even Valentina said in an interview “Once the cage is closed it’s just you and your opponent…”. Your coach has prepared you during training camp. After that it’s up to you to make the adjustments…

[@thejtrax]

Facts. Media drama in motion

[@RevoZtuns]

This is the real ‘thrill and agony’ video that UFC doesn’t show.

[@lazyboi7878]

Love him or Hate him, Dom's just gonna be remembered as A Legend.

[@412pgh2]

Best Bantamweight of all time. Sure he will get surpassed but hes the first.

[@Mt-pp1nf]

Sucks how all the legends come down so fast I hope Luke can win today honestly

[@joelink2754]

@@412pgh2 Henry Cejudo plays basketball

[@sahillsekhon3]

Definitely should be going down as one of the goats no doubt. A pioneer and a guy who only lost to champions before chito. And we’re talking about chito here not any slouch.

[@barbarapaparella1833]

@@sahillsekhon3 exactly. Also came back from I think 3 acl tears. He was basically unbeatable 4 a while up until that cody fight were nobody was beating cody that night. Dom could retire but he was winning the fight on points imo til he get caught.

[@antoniomiranda4651]

More of these please! These are awesome. Captures the phenomenology of W/L better than anything.

[@closinginonclosure]

They're all on ESPN+. They started doing these a while back, following the fighters after the fights. They just don't post them for free on KZbin. They've only posted a couple on here to help promote.

[@Khushalsoni09]

@@closinginonclosure Sucks coz even if i want to pay i can't watch all this stuff because i'm not in the US.

[@imagnotv]

With a clearly smashed and broken nose from that kick, Dominic Cruz leaves on his own two feet with his head high and goes straight to the hotel with his team instead of straight to the hospital. What a beast. I fought nine years professionally, fighting is definitely and can be the the loneliest sport if you lose. I hope everyone appreciates and respects what guys like Jose Aldo and Dominic Cruz and what they have done for the sport. War Cruz!!

[@imagnotv]

@Tribhuvan Singh Shekhawat :)

[@SanyamJain1989]

Dominick Cruz is a one-in-a-lifetime martial artist. Truly, one-of-one. His resolve and determination reminds me of Mirko Cro Cop. Eternal respect towards his work. 🙏

[@corymmarules7462]

Cruz, worked so hard to climb the ladder again. I hope he regroups, heal up and stays encouraged.

[@donpeludo1940]

he's too old homie@@ im surprised he took this fight

[@StallionFernando]

He's been getting dropped alot lately, his chin is almost gone.

[@harleyhammons6551]

I'm pretty sure he announced his retirement

[@evanparrafx]

In all fairness, Cruz looked really good in that fight. He was fast and didn't look like he was declining or anything. The sport just evolves fast and tough opponents pop up that aren't easy.

[@phantom_mist1726]

@@harleyhammons6551 when? No he hasn't. It's close but it's up to him when he's ready.

[@redpanda1018]

Dominick Cruz is a very disciplined a level headed man to keep as calm as he did. Especially after suffering a devasting KO like that with a broken nose, incredible. There is a reason he is arguably the best bantamweight of all time. Truly a legend of the sport.

[@sdottwal]

Absolutely insane how Chito hardly looks like he’s been in fights lately, and his opponents look like they’ve been mauled 💀

[@jasdhillon2678]

It's cause hes actually a true featherweight, he's huge for the bantamweight division, he cuts alot of weight which is why his strikes hurt at 135 and he's able to eat their shots, chito is basically what Conor was at 145.

[@checksumsha1sum632]

@@jasdhillon2678 I agree with you. Once Connor moved to 155 he got humbled. His real division.

[@ahsuabavab]

@@jasdhillon2678 chito said he walks around 150-155 lol. he in no way is huge, just good genetics and good technique

[@jasdhillon2678]

@@ahsuabavab he's definitely big compared to a few other 135ers

[@dzhimyy8909]

Well, now things have changed. Chito looked like he was in a car accident this last time 😂

[@charlesxavier6785]

I’m too emotionally stable to ever want to do that. The highs and lows these guys and gals go through is absolutely insane.

[@nofearofwater]

Especially what Dom went through, had his title and prime taken from him with injuries.

[@ardnfast]

You make an interesting observation... Without the lows you cannot have the highs. Unfortunately for Dom it wasn't to be his night.

[@dammaguy1286]

You are a CAT!

[@Jcrof]

You mean you’re too emotionally UNSTABLE. You have to be very emotionally stable to do what these guys do. You have to be able to get through the highest highs and the lowest lowest and only a stable person can maneuver through that.

[@charlesxavier6785]

@@Jcrof good point, I purposefully stay even keeled because excess stress is bad for a person, so what I should’ve said is I like to remain emotionally stable so I could never do what these people do

[@ordinarypete]

2:22 That Dad moment tho! “That kick!” 👊🏽

[@TehUltimateSnake]

That gave me goosebumps. Having his dad see him accomplish so much in life.

[@pakhtun7639]

I recently failed a semester in medical school and i have to repeat a whole year in uni for that..I can relate to Dominick on so many levels man..No words can describe it..everything becomes quiet, you got no where to run and all you can do is think about it eventhough you dont want to..man failure ruins a person..

[@squeezy1001]

Failure makes you stronger not ruin you. Right now, for you, it maybe a fresh wound and a new feeling but people go through much worse and still become successful.

[@marcernest3165]

Ruins you if you let it. I've learned in business you either grow or quit no 3rd option. Same goes for everything else.

[@elmuchacho6836]

I agree with the two comments above. Failure can either ruin you or make you stronger but that only depends on how you look at it and what you do. Successful people learn from their failures and become better at what they do from it. In Dom's case, Im sure he will learn from what got him KOed (the way he dips his head) and improve as a fighter. So it really just all depends on how you view it and what you learn from it. Good luck with medical school champ!

[@edwardbrito4010]

Failure sucks but that man got his head kick in has to do it again maybe different thing completely.

[@weegieboard8432]

yeah, not really the same dude

[@thomasboyle5836]

He wasn't lying when he said "welcome to the chito show"

[@RTL2L]

To the people behind these videos: thank you! The music, the shots, the editing is really atmospheric! i don't need to go to movies, to watch a good thriller anymore, because nothing can compare to the real life thrillers like this one. Keep your work!

[@BigPoppaSufi]

You can't even hear anything it's all bleeped out lol

[@mikeyjxy]

Dominic probably doesnt remember any of this

[@josephsedqy8168]

I was waiting to see if they would put him repeating himself on here lol

[@rrahul8794]

Sad to see legends like Dom, Frankie, tony, cowboy, ending their career like this

[@Bairom06]

Hopefully we don’t have to add Luke and Nate to that list 😭😭😭.

[@lebraa]

Fathertime is undefeated. Aldo and rockhold is going down in few hours too

[@rrahul8794]

Ufc is not doing good business by putting old legends in front of young blood for money

[@blakeagostino]

@@Bairom06 he's already been added to that list bro

[@thelastbreed91]

@@lebraa has nothing to do with time.. been saying for years dom is predictable. He’s trash

[@abudujana13]

Feel so bad for Dominick! Thanks for the video, ESPN MMA

[@kengrand5445]

I love videos like this...it shows the unforgiving side of the sport...the side fans don't see or understand...its easy to laugh & make memes but these guys dedicate their lives & health for this...win or lose we need to respect them both

[@AS-yw8xt]

Huge respect to who ever makes it to the octagon

[@nyfolkhero]

Highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I love this sport and all the warriors

[@jamesbyerly766]

This was a great look into both sides. Much respect for both the warriors putting it on the line. I wish Cruz would hold his head up but I totally get it. Your heart is broken. What else can you do. God bless

[@lonnielee2904]

Most respect for Dom one of the greatest to ever do it. His style is unmatched and took many years to break the code. Very intelligent and tough

[@lasanchaadventures3567]

Never thought one way or another about chito but I can say i have mad respect for him after only watching only a couple of his interviews and this video. Keep doing your thing Chito.

[@chantallamoureux5081]

TOTAL RESPECT FOR DOMINIC THE DOMINATOR CRUZ,to do this footage right after the fight ,right after losing,man you're a real warrior and a true champion no matter the outcome!

[@romanz9022]

His footwork, headmovement, aggression, pace was amazing. He got caught with a kick, look at usman. Doms the man!

[@DeepakSingh-qg4ri]

These 'behind the fight/scene' videos are great. Keep em coming

[@molefilebone]

I love this. thank you, ESPN. We need more of this. It's a brutal sport where all the hard work goes down the drain with a split of a second.

[@MSTP03]

High risk, high reward. Dom is still a legend of the sport

[@tkpkalex]

the content we all want need and love - thank you

[@rubenmedina9156]

Great Excerpt showing the different reactions of each fighter, how they handle the win and the loss, i think in general it was a great fight and also a great display of their personalities in the scenarios that the fight handed to each one, two stand up guys and awesome fighters!

[@dasrathtalwar6013]

Win or loss you can't deny Dominic Cruz is one of the goat and a true legend of the sport

[@hooonchyeah6748]

It’s been amazing watching chitos evolution! And Dominick Cruz is a true legend of the sport

[@izzy4el]

Hats off to the video editor. Great story telling with the visual contrast. Almost like experiencing both emotions right along with them.

[@TT-gv3dj]

Thanks for this segment. There is so much to learn from this sport to be used in real life and these segments really help to get inspired.

[@scarecrow4638]

Respect to Dom! Processing a loss is never easy.

[@A_Guy123]

One of those fights you didn’t want to see any one lose. All the respect to both of them. Sad to see Cruz down and out like this though

[@livingforgod7693]

Definitely down but not out

[@aw3279]

Please keep putting these out!!

[@twitches8428]

Really really good video we definitely need more of these

[@faithbuenaventura3189]

Just when I emotionally recovered from seeing Dom starched like that you post this and I'm sad again 😭

[@ZepplinOnFire]

Great piece! Need more of these. Shows that the 'brutality' of the sport is only skin deep (if that). Beneath there is a complex interworking of love and family, dreams and visions, agony and ecstasy. Incredible individuals.

[@jdvandeventer6009]

I've watched UFC for a while now and the highs and lows of this sport is just incredible! So much respect for these fighters who put it all on the line

[@sc3la]

i would love to see more of this! Especially with prelim fighters. It's nice to see the fighter post fight and what they go through

[@juanvelezjr.2953]

There’s nothing to take away from Dominick Cruz. It’s a combat sport. You win some and lose some. No matter what he will go down in history and he truly is a legend of this sport. I can’t wait to see him fight Frankie Edgar if negotiations go through.

[@MrPooly1459]

One of those fights where it really sucked to see the defeated legend in Dom get head kicked into unconsciousness but man, it's great to see a guy like Chito continue his rise through the ranks and get even closer to a title fight. And you can tell a lot of folks will be cheering for him if he faces folks like Aljo, TJ or potentially even someone like O'Malley for the belt.

[@decimated550]

a guy from ecuador head kicked him into bolivia

[@lawrencemarino837]

More of this content please, Need more aftermath stuff!

[@Ray-bn1ry]

Such a good video seeing both sides of one outcome 💯

[@rif5556]

As someone who grew up watching Dominick Cruz fight seeing the loss and then this is kind of heart breaking. The highest of highs but also the lowest of lows. He's never been put out like that before, it's gotta be rough for it to happen at the tail end of his career cus then it leaves the question of whether or not he thinks he woulda got caught like that 10 years ago. All I know is after watching that fight I still believe Cruz has a lot left in the tank, making another title run is unlikely but I think he can have a competitive fight with just about anyone in that division.

[@phantom_mist1726]

Honestly? I just want him to fight Aldo and call it a day. He may think in his head that he needs another title to prove his greatness but I think Dom has already proved himself a long time ago. Father time is undefeated. Vera's time will be up soon as well, nobody can escape it.

[@phantom_mist1726]

@King of Punks then he's calling himself bad because, he was losing to it in the majority of the fight until he caught him and the only real reason he did that was because Cruz was out of his prime. It's not an excuse, the head kick set up was known by dillashaw years ago and I belive he's a better offensive striker than Vera with more tricky set ups and he couldn't land it on Cruz all fight long. This is what I don't understand about this comment, you already beat him why do you have to kick him while he's down? say that stuff before the fight if that's how you feel, don't say it after the fact when he can't do anything about it. That "bad" style won him the title twice, stayed dominant for years, beat the previous, his, the future generation and then actually able to compete the generation after that which is Vera, Pedro etc. Cruz has already proved himself, but Vera is out here losing close decisions due to inactive. I'm sorry for this rant, Vera is a good fighter but I didn't like that comment either. I thought it was tasteless and unnecessary.

[@BiblicalLongevity]

I feel so bad for Dom. He was 100% up at least 2 rounds (Though I would say 3), and then just gets caught.

[@serbianwarrior385]

He's biggest problem is that he doesnt have any power in his hands,kicks are solid but hands are weak

[@kostas666lelapas3]

Yeah man he looked so good.he'll figure it out with a few adjustments according to his age.not counting him out as a contender yet

[@kneecage3236]

He never had power in his hands and became champion many times. His offense is still the same. He is still more skillful than other fighters. Sadly, his defense is out of date and he is easily knocked down.

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

@@serbianwarrior385 he over came that with his footwork, cardio, and fight IQ but just losing that bit of athleticism and speed has cost him and made fights closer than they should. Like this dude was ragdolling Mighty Mouse at one point

[@thelastbreed91]

@@serbianwarrior385 no it’s because he don’t sit on his punches, he’s adapted to point fighting. Dom is garbage

[@whoisAdalid]

We need these, the world needs to see these. Great job UFC camera people👌

[@rolex408]

Man this is a great video! More like this one from upcoming fights!

[@jwerdy5179]

Poor Dominick fought so well and was winning the fight. His talent is amazing. Unfortunately his chin has always been his biggest weakness throughout his career. Still forever a world champion, never forget

[@theemperor4901]

His chin isn't that bad, he gets knock down a lot since last few fights but he gets back up, Even after the KO he got right back up. His biggest weakness was his injuries and he got no power in those hands, without those weakness Cruz might have never lost.

[@shumbenhumtsoe7847]

Josh@ that kick was brutal man..Dom's chin is not weak as you think it is. You can watch his other fights dude!

[@niyor3608]

Cruz still has it

[@redondorocket2680]

The thrill of victory.... and the agony of defeat. Great piece. Peace

[@jessecalvert9082]

I really liked seeing both sides simultaneously immediately after the fight. This was a really cool video, I hope they continue to put these out!

[@robertocortez1457]

Broken egos are good to watch and learn from thanks for the sacrifice

[@aaronauld3068]

Chito is on a trajectory to becoming a massive star. All love to Dom the goat of BW. He honestly looked great. He might not have another belt left in him but there are legacy fights out there (ALDO)

[@jacklingenfelter7765]

the production of this video is amazing!

[@TheAlexfooooo]

The highest of highs and the lowest of lows in this game. I'm thankful to witness the journey these athletes go on.

[@sapnil5064]

Cruz was having a great fight. He lost the third round but he was winning the fourth. That kick🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@MrDeftones122755]

It was a great fight but that’s how chito fights, he’s gonna lose rounds and look for kill shots

[@LilianaSellsTexas]

Dom was losing round 4 also

[@theemperor4901]

@@MrDeftones122755 You can't always rely on that, when he fights top 5 same strategy won't work.

[@MrDeftones122755]

@@theemperor4901 it’s working so far, think with a aldo and Peter yahn it’s not gonna work. Power counter punchers have shown to be a bad match up for Vera cus he can’t get going

[@thingy2780]

get Dom to a doc for that nose for Christ's sake

[@VinceGaming831]

I love these behind the scenes videos

[@XpLiciTx805]

Now this is some real goosebump type content!!!

[@fransiscon]

This is really good. Love seeing both sides. Great fight 👏

[@elizardo.]

great editing 👌 👏 👍 🙌

[@Sssensei11]

Need more of these even if they’re are not BIG PPV fights. they’re great. Great vid. Almost better then thrill snd agony to be honest.

[@3secondsago894]

I like these aftermath videos they are freaking cool man! What I always wanted to see :D

[@kizmutyaba4965]

Be nice to see more of these

[@Makelifecount.]

Those videos are always the realist and make you appreciate the athletes more

[@MichaelSmith-bl3px]

I like these kind of videos. I hope they continue to always show them

[@justcallmemyka]

Both Warrior's, Respect !! ❤

[@christiancastro5746]

AMAZING CLIP! Dominic Cruz your an inspiration to a lot of us men , seeing this point of view tells you a lot about the sport and as a fan I am grateful for this perspective

[@MultiMrawesome5]

Really love this episode

[@edwinlouis6126]

I've been on both sides of that walk from the cage to the back. Respect to both guys.

[@slowpipe3687]

This just makes me respect the fighters alot more

[@ansoncheung2437]

Loved this. Thanks for sharing ESPN. We mostly just see the lead up and the fight. It’s meaningful to see the aftermath too… win, lose and draw.

[@Serious_Eater]

Intense, love this one

[@masonmoyes6960]

MMA is the most brutal sport physically and mentally. Thank you UFC for showing fans what is like behind the scenes

[@MoIotov]

PLEASE. more content like this

[@theboogeyman9813]

We still love you, Dom!

[@samhyde8684]

Absolutely brutal. Whoever thought of this video idea deserves a raise

[@Hojiii]

Happy for Chito. Both men looked great. Dom will always be a Legend.

[@topgun6674]

Im ecuadorian and I was there at Pechanga sports arena, growing up Chito was a street fighter he reminds me when I did street fighting in Ecuador since I was 6 years old, its just a way of live ...all I can say is support Chito he loves his fans no matter where they are from,he is going to be number one champion real soon.

[@redpanda1018]

I think these clips are important for people to watch because it really shows that this sport has the highest highs and the lowest lows. Hopefully, more casual fans and people who don't apprentice the sport and dismiss it can see how much it means to the athletes and fans

[@AngelGonzalez-oc5cz]

Gotta love chito. Nothing but respect 💯.

[@SpookyRedz]

Hold that head up high Dom you are a Legend bro

[@geronimoagarraspito5174]

Chito is just an example, hard work and perseverance pays.

[@buubuufigs]

I think we kind of avoid seeing the losing side because we all know what failing feels like. That somber atmosphere after the loss must be overwhelming.

[@rubenjuarez91]

What a beautiful sport

[@SimpsonIII]

That kick immediately broke his nose you can see it

[@Matt_G824]

Love the video. Just wish ESPN would lower the volume of their background music so we could better hear Dom talking

[@dddeadlift]

awesome content

[@joelhartley5108]

Amazing video.

[@millertime-lf8th]

Love you Dom!

[@jamesross3921]

First time I have ever seen a KO like that and been devastated not excited

[@seventhuniverse9000]

Dang this is very interesting I wouldn’t mind more of these