The mixed martial arts landscape is ever-evolving, and former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz has reignited discussions about his future within the UFC by expressing interest in one last fight before hanging up his gloves for good. The banter around the possibility of a match against Henry Cejudo has caught fire, largely spurred by UFC commentator Jon Anik’s prophetic suggestion of a rematch. This idea, however, is not without its underlying tension and history, especially considering their previous encounter at UFC 249, where Cejudo triumphed by TKO, a result Cruz has contested in the years that followed.
Cruz, with an impressive record of 24 wins and 4 losses, is a seasoned warrior looking to make a defining statement before he steps away from the octagon. Following his defeat to Marlon Vera in 2022, the former champion has been largely silent, making the potential rematch with Cejudo even more intriguing. Cejudo, a two-division champion with a penchant for trolling his opponents, is now openly welcoming Cruz to the idea of another showdown, further stoking the flames of competition.
The previous clash between Cruz and Cejudo was undeniably significant in both of their careers. At UFC 249, Cejudo knocked out Cruz, a moment he believes encapsulates their rivalry. In a recent podcast appearance, Cejudo reminisced about landing a decisive knee strike that floored Cruz and expressed disdain for his opponent’s accusations concerning the referee’s judgment. This incident, where Cruz alleged referee Keith Peterson was under the influence of alcohol, left a lingering shadow over their first fight.
Cejudo has encapsulated the animosity in their rivalry, not shying away from using the social media platform “X” to further critique Cruz. With quips such as “Dominick ‘Snooze’,” Cejudo frames their relationship as one of dismissiveness toward Cruz’s past achievements, instead focusing on the dominant fashion in which he defeated him. This not only serves to resonate with fans but also underscores Cejudo’s confidence in his fighting abilities.
For Cejudo, who came out of retirement to contest the bantamweight title twice without success, the prospect of a rematch against Cruz could serve as the perfect opportunity to solidify his legacy further. Despite setbacks, Cejudo remains a formidable force, an assertion he is eager to prove by stepping into the octagon once more. On the other hand, Cruz’s motivations for one last fight could stem from a need for closure, redemption, or simply the thrill of competing at the highest level once more.
Moreover, both fighters are at critical junctures in their careers, and a rematch could be the perfect narrative arc to cap off Cruz’s legacy while granting Cejudo a moment to reclaim his former glory. With the UFC’s matchmaking decisions often guided by fan demand and fighter readiness, one can only speculate about the likelihood of this dream matchup. The stakes are high, and the animosity adds a layer of intensity, making this potential fight one that could capture the attention of MMA fans worldwide.
As the debate continues, it will be fascinating to see how the UFC handles the possibility of this storied rivalry reigniting—whether fans will witness the last dance of Dominick Cruz paired against the polarizing yet talented Henry Cejudo remains to be seen.