Dominick Cruz Wouldn’t Say No To José Aldo Fight
Dominick Cruz has his eyes set on his next opponent.
One of the most dominant former champions, Cruz, is open to fighting with former featherweight king and current top contender of the division, José Aldo, to continue his trip and get back in the title line.
Cruz fought for the second time last Saturday in 2021.
After bouncing back following his comeback loss to Henry Cejudo with a split decision victory over Casey Kenney at UFC 259 in March, Cruz intended to close the year by advancing up the standings and starting a winning streak with a victory against Pedro Munhoz.
Cruz did both with a spectacular effort at UFC 269.
After regaining his composure with an early knockdown, the top-10 contender went into the flow that has brought him so much success during his storied career. Cruz was granted a unanimous decision victory after three rounds of fighting inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Cruz, who has already surpassed the No. 8-ranked bantamweight, will now try to battle his way up the rankings once again in his quest for a third UFC title.
Aldo is a name that many admirers are interested in. “Junior,” like Cruz, is a former champion.
The Brazilian competed in the main event at UFC Vegas 44 last weekend.
With a five-round decision victory over top challenger Rob Font, Aldo demonstrated his ability to make a comeback to the top.
Aldo, who has moved to third in the bantamweight rankings, sees a championship eliminator against TJ Dillashaw next.
Considering Aldo’s place in the rankings, it’s no surprise that Cruz would be eager to square off against the fellow icon. During the UFC 269 post-fight news conference, Cruz stated that he would gladly face the 35-year-old.
“Yeah, I mean, I’m not gonna say no to a Aldo fight, just because, you know, that moves me closer to the title,” Cruz said.
“Aldo’s a legend in the sport. I have nothing but respect for all these guys. So, I’m trying to go, you know, I’m going up towards the title… I’m not gonna say no to anything.”