UFC Legend Dominick Cruz Reveals How He Kept Entire Weight Class Alive

Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz believes that his domination was the reason for the creation of the flyweight division.

UFC Legend Dominick Cruz Reveals How He Kept Entire Weight Class Alive

Dominick Cruz talks about his role in flyweight history (via Combat Press)

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There has always been debate about who truly shaped the lighter divisions in the UFC, but Dominick Cruz has now made a bold claim that puts him at the center of that history. The former champion stated that the UFC’s flyweight division was created because of his dominance, as he left little room for contenders to shine at 135 pounds.

Beyond this claim, Cruz’s career achievements back up his reputation as a trailblazer. He became the first UFC bantamweight champion after the WEC merger and defended the belt multiple times. He is also and widely credited for revolutionizing movement and footwork in the sport. With wins over the likes of Urijah Faber, TJ Dillashaw and Joseph Benavidez, Cruz cemented himself as the greatest bantamweight in the UFC.

Cruz was recently seen talking to UFC legend Demetrious Johnson on the latest episode of Mightycast. The former rivals were seen reminiscing about their careers and spoke about recent UFC events. However, when the conversation turned to the flyweight division, Cruz stepped up and claimed that his dominance over the bantamweight division forced the UFC to create the 125 pound division for fair matchups.

I think I am a big reason that the 125 pound weight class exists to be honest. I went from 145 to 135 and stayed there. Then it was like, ‘Okay, we need a new weight class,’ because I cleaned out the division.

Dominick Cruz via Mightycast

Traditionally, credit for the birth of the flyweight division has gone to Johnson. This is because he went on to dominate at 125 pounds, along with Benavidez, who became one of the cornerstones of the division. However, the Cruz’s comments challenge that narrative by suggesting that his own success at bantamweight forced the UFC to open another weight class, making him an indirect architect of the flyweights.

There is no doubt that Cruz had an illustrious UFC career which was tarnished by injuries. He became the first UFC bantamweight champion after avenging his WEC competition loss to Faber at UFC 132. However, a series of severe injuries, including torn ACLs and groin issues, sidelined him for years. Despite those setbacks, he made a triumphant comeback in 2016 to reclaim the title against Dillashaw, before eventually losing it again.

He lost his UFC title to Cody Garbrandt later in 2016, which sidelined him for another four years. ‘The Dominator’ returned to Octagon in 2020 but was knocked out by Henry Cejudo in the second round. Despite the loss, the California native secured back to back wins against Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz. A vicious knock out against Marlon Vera marked his last outing.

Not too long after, a shoulder injury ultimately forced him to retire in February 2025. Regardless of where the truth lies, Cruz’s claim reignites discussion about his role in the evolution of the lighter weight classes. Whether fans agree with him or not, there’s no denying his impact on MMA history.

Dominick Cruz reveals Dana White’s gift for stepping in on short notice

Dominick Cruz recently revealed a surprising story from his fighting days, involving none other than UFC president Dana White. According to Cruz, he was gifted a Nissan GTR by White after competing against Demetrious Johnson in 2011. The gesture highlighted the unique relationship between the UFC boss and one of his star champions at that time.

Dominick Cruz in his Nissan GTR
Dominick Cruz in his Nissan GTR (via Motor Trend)

The fight in question took place at UFC Live: Dominick Cruz vs Demetrious Johnson in 2011, where the California native successfully defended his bantamweight title. Johnson would later go on to dominate the flyweight division but was undersized at 135 pounds and struggled against Cruz’s footwork and wrestling.

That bout was pivotal, not only for Cruz’s career but also for Johnson, as it marked his final appearance at bantamweight before the flyweight division was created. However now looking back at the moment, the former rivals shared a laugh during Cruz’s appearance on Mightycast.

The revelation caught fans off guard, especially since Johnson himself humorously reacted by pointing out that he never received anything similar despite his legendary run as flyweight champion. The gift symbolized how much the UFC valued his role as a trailblazer, both in defending the bantamweight belt and providing symbolic moments for the fans to remember.

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