Dominick Cruz is confident about his chances against former UFC champion Jose Aldo. Aldo recently made his return at UFC 301 and was supposed to face Dominick Cruz first. Then why did Aldo and Cruz not end up fighting? Dominick Cruz talked about the possibilities of a showdown with Aldo in his latest interview. Here is what happened:
Dominick Cruz recently sat down for a conversation on The Anik & Florian Podcast. During their discussion, Cruz branded himself as a ‘nightmare’ for Jose Aldo. As such, the former bantamweight champion pondered what the future holds for Aldo in the UFC.
Is he planning on renegotiating his contract for another 6 fights and going for the title? Or do you want to make sure you secure a win to become a free agent off a win, instead of a loss when you’ve got to face the likes of me, which is a nightmare?
Dominick Cruz via The Anik & Florian Podcast
Jose Aldo had recently revealed that he was waiting for an offer from Dana White to re-enter the UFC. The former champion is confident that he is still in fighting shape, and his performance at UFC 301 proves that. ‘The King of Rio’ reportedly wants to fight for the title again. He has won four out of his last five fights. As such, if Marlon Vera can fight for the title, an argument could be made for Aldo as well.
Dominick Cruz says he’s a “nightmare” for Jose Aldo, and believes a fight with Aldo is “off the table” since he won’t re-sign with the UFC:
“I saw [Aldo’s] words are, they offered him to fight me but he wanted somebody in the top 5. Is Jonathan Martinez in the top 5?…
Is he… pic.twitter.com/KsMvs5pk7M
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 16, 2024
However, Cruz does not believe Aldo would renegotiate. He also wanted to know what Aldo fights for at the age of 37. Initially, Jose Aldo had confirmed that Dominick Cruz was supposed to be his original opponent at UFC 301. However, Aldo heard that Cruz had an issue during his camp that forced him to withdraw. That led to booking the fight against Jonathan Martinez.
Dominick Cruz talks about still being in the UFC rankings despite inactivity
Dominick Cruz has competed in the promotion since the UFC/WEC merger. He currently ranks #13 in the bantamweight division. However, he was previously removed from the rankings which had brought up many rumors. Cruz has not competed since his knockout loss against Marlon Vera.
Dominick Cruz ( Image via CBS Sports )During his conversation on The Anik & Florian Podcast, he discussed this matter. Cruz did reveal something interesting during the conversation.
When you get pulled out of the rankings, it makes people think something, but I asked to be removed from the rankings because what you hear is ‘You’re holding up,’ I’m not holding anybody up because people are going to ask to fight me whether I’m in the rankings or not.
Dominick Cruz via The Anik & Florian podcast
Dominick Cruz’s last fight was in 2022, when he fought Marlon Vera. He was brutally knocked out in the fourth round and has not stepped in the octagon ever since. However, he previously signed a new contract with the UFC. Cruz revealed that he was planning out his comeback and wants to make his return sometime this year.
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