Dominick Cruz Gives Timetable for Return to UFC

Dominick Cruz has suffered an unfortunate series of events that has forced him to sit on the sidelines far too many times, for far too long.

WEC was absorbed by the UFC in 2011 and Cruz was brought into the promotion as their first bantamweight champion. He successfully defended his championship twice before suffering a torn ACL and eventually a torn groin that ultimately cost him his position as champion; Dana White stripped him of the title due to inactivity.

After almost three years away from action, Cruz made his return at UFC 178 and decimated Takeya Mizugaki. The former UFC bantamweight champion seemed to have regained all of his momentum until it was announced he had suffered another torn ACL, this time in the other leg.

Cruz recently spoke with Inside MMA and revealed that he is hoping to return to the octagon toward the end of 2015. “My goal is to be back by the end of the year. I’ve already had my title stripped,” Cruz said. “I’ve already been dropped out of the rankings. What do I need to rush for, is the way I’m thinking right now. Everything that I’ve earned has already been taken from me.”

Cruz did not sound bitter about being stripped as he understood it was business as usual for the UFC; the show had to go on. “I want to go out into this next fight very healthy and I definitely want to fight for the title. I don’t care who has it. I believe I’m the best in the world— I believe I never lost that position. So now, the only thing we’re waiting for is for me to come back and earn it.”

Do you think Cruz should have a warm up match before gunning for the title, or should he earn a shot at the gold right away? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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