Dominick Cruz Could Return Before The End Of 2015
Dominick Cruz has had a rough road in his MMA career. Being a WEC and UFC champion, as well as currently riding an 11-fight win streak, he could easily be considered one of the very best bantamweights of all-time, if he could only stay healthy.
After nearly three years on the sidelines battling numerous injuries, “The Dominator” finally made his long-awaited, highly-anticipated return at last September’s UFC 178, and what a triumphant one it was. Cruz smashed then No. 5-ranked Takeya Mizugaki in just over a minute to score a spectacular TKO victory.
After his dominant return, Cruz was given the opportunity to fight TJ Dillashaw for the bantamweight title that he never actually lost. However, the former 135-pound king hit rock bottom once again, suffering yet another ACL injury and forcing him back out of competition.
But Cruz isn’t expected to be out as long this time. Speaking with FOX Sports recently, Cruz even went as far to say he could return before the end of the year:
“Is it realistic? I believe it is,” Cruz said about a return in 2015. “Am I going to say that I’m going to do it? I’m only two months into rehab and I need wait a little bit longer before I make a statement like that because right now I’m in the portion where I need the tendon to transform into ACL tissue. They took my patella tendon and now what happens is I’m in the very crucial part of healing, which my tendon is like a piece of Swiss cheese.”
Only two-months into rehab, Cruz admitted that he will need at least four months to make a more accurate timetable for his return, yet “The Dominator” is remaining optimistic.
Despite his injuries, many still believe Cruz is still one of the best 135-pounders in the world, if not the best. I would think many would’ve actually picked him over Dillashaw if the two fought, and many probably still will when they do.
The former champion can still have it all. He clearly has the talent to rule the bantamweight division;, but obviously his body just needs to stay healthy.
Will Cruz ever wear UFC gold again?
