Dominick Cruz to Be Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame as Part of 2026 Class

Dominick Cruz was officially announced as a member of the UFC Hall of Fame's 2026 class on Saturday.

Cruz was the UFC's inaugural bantamweight champion in 2011, holding the title for three years. Injuries forced him to relinquish the championship in 2014, although he captured it again with a split-decision win over T.J. Dillashaw two years later.

He compiled a professional record of 24-4.

UFC president Dana White praised Cruz's career.

"Dominick Cruz is one of the greatest bantamweights in combat sports history," White said in a Saturday press release. "Dominick was an amazing athlete who set the standard for bantamweights, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer."

Cruz will become the 17th member of the UFC Hall of Fame's Modern Wing, honoring athletes who turned pro following the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA in Nov. 2000.

His list of accolades includes the longest title reign in UFC bantamweight history at 1,117 days and the most title fight wins in UFC/WEC bantamweight history at seven.

Cruz's second UFC bantamweight title reign came to an end with a loss to Cody Garbrandt in Dec. 2016 before injuries limited him to just four fights over the next six years.

He was scheduled for one last appearance against Rob Font in Feb. 2025, but was forced to withdraw due to health concerns.

Cruz also worked as a UFC television analyst following his retirement.

The UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony for the Class of 2026 will take place in the summer, although the exact date is still to be determined.

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