Let’s just face the fact, things just sound so much more awesome when Joe Rogan says them.
Here Rogan gives a breakdown of the long-awaited return of former UFC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. This story has flown a bit under the radar of UFC 178, but when Cruz steps in the octagon on Saturday evening, it will be nearly three years to the day that he last fought. Cruz tore his ACL not once, but twice, which sidelined him for the better part of two years, and just when Cruz looked healthy and was scheduled for a return, he would then tear his groin, which would keep him out for nearly another year.
Rogan highlights these injuries in his breakdown and reminds us just how much mental fortitude it must have taken for Cruz to return following his series of injuries, in his prime nonetheless. Rogan also reminds us that Cruz went from being a champion to being ranked 12th in the division, without ever losing a fight, which has never really happened in high-level sports.
Cruz holds a professional MMA record of 19-1, winning ten of his last fights. Cruz’s only loss came in the WEC in 2007 to Urijah Faber, a loss he later avenged by defeating Faber in 2011 to defend his UFC Bantamweight title. Cruz also holds notable victories over Ian McCall, Brian Bowles, Joseph Benavidez, and most recently, UFC Flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.
Cruz, who is currently ranked 10th at Bantamweight will meet fifth ranked Takeya Mizugaki on Saturday, September 27th at UFC 178. Mizugaki has won five straight fights, including victories over Bryan Caraway, Erik Perez and Francisco Rivera.
Cruz vs. Mizugaki will headline the UFC 178 preliminary card, which will take place on FOX Sports 1.