Dominick Cruz is a UFC Hall of Famer.
On Saturday night, during the UFC 324 broadcast, the UFC announced that Cruz is the first member of the 2026 class of the promotion’s Hall of Fame, entering in the Modern Wing.
Considered by some to be the greatest bantamweight ever, Cruz pioneered the 135-pound division, winning the WEC title in 2010 and defending it twice before being elevated to the inaugural UFC champion when the UFC integrated all the WEC fighters into its roster. Cruz then defended his UFC title twice before vacating
the belt due to numerous injuries.
After two long layoffs, Cruz finally reclaimed the title in 2016, beating T.J. Dillashaw, and then added one final title defense to his resumé before losing the belt for good later that year. Again, Cruz was beset by injuries, fighting four more times over the final six years of his career, before finally hanging up the gloves in 2025 after yet another injury setback.
Cruz was in attendance at UFC 324, working on the analyst desk, and he caught up with fellow Hall of Famer Michael Bisping to give his immediate thoughts on the honor.
“Yes, earned. 14 different surgeries throughout my career. Not proud of that, being the most injured champion and fighter — one of the most injured — but making it through, and coming out and winning on top is what I’m grateful for God giving me the strength to do, and thanks for being here with me, Bisping.”
