Pros react after Dominick Cruz defeats Casey Kenney by split-decision at UFC 259

Tonight’s UFC 259 event included the return of former bantamweight kingpin Dominick Cruz who took on Casey Kenney in the featured prelim.

Cruz (23-3 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since suffering a TKO loss to Henry Cejudo at UFC 249 in his bid to reclaim the promotions bantamweight title. ‘The Dominator’ had most previously tasted victory in June of 2016, when he scored a unanimous decision victory over longtime rival Urijah Faber at UFC 199.

Meanwhile, Casey Kenney (16-3-1 MMA) entered tonight’s UFC 259 featured prelim on a three-fight win streak. The Indiana native had scored a unanimous decision victory over Nathaniel Wood in his most previous effort at UFC 254.

Image Credit: UFC.com

Tonight’s UFC 259 featured prelim proved to be a thrilling back and forth affair. Dominick Cruz had a fantastic opening rounds but Casey Kenney was seemingly able to turn the tide in his favor in round two. With the scorecards likely tied up heading into the third and final round Cruz showcased his championship form scoring two timely takedowns to seal the win.

Official UFC 259 Result: Dominick Cruz def. Casey Kenney via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Check out how the pros reacted to Cruz defeating Kenney below:

Dom up next-ESPN

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) March 7, 2021

Let's Go @DominickCruz !! https://t.co/W20jGvBpR8

— Dwight Grant (@DwightGrant) March 7, 2021

Casey Kenney is going to upset a lot of people on parlays tonight ! #UFC259

— Sasha Palatnikov (@PalatnikovMMA) March 7, 2021

Now we got the main treat @DominickCruz vs @ckmma135 💯 #UFC259 let’s go

— Andre Ewell (@daii24_dre) March 7, 2021

Some Cruz hot sauce 🔥 #UFC259

— Chris Leben (@ChrisLebenMMA) March 7, 2021

1 round a piece I’d say going in to the third.

— michael (@bisping) March 7, 2021

Get in there Boyz!!! #UFC259

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 7, 2021

That was a great takedown! #UFC259

— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) March 7, 2021

@Cody_Nolove Different level

— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) March 7, 2021

Wow I thought that was obvious 29-28 for Cruz, I dont really see how the judges came up with the other cards.

— Funky (@Benaskren) March 7, 2021

Mission impossible @DominickCruz is BACK !! #UFC259

— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) March 7, 2021

Who would you like to see Dominick Cruz fight next following his split decision victory over Casey Kenney at tonight’s UFC 259 event in Las Vegas? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!