Dominick Cruz on His Potential Final Fight

In a recent episode of the ESPN MMA show, Good Guy / Bad Guy, former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz joined hosts Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen to discuss what might be the last fight of his storied career. Scheduled for February 22 against Rob Font, Cruz opened up about his mindset heading into this pivotal bout. He expressed a reflective tone, acknowledging the significance of this fight as potentially his final appearance in the octagon. The conversation delved into his decision to take on Font, highlighting his respect for his opponent’s skills and the challenge ahead.

Cruz also touched on sharing the card with Henry Cejudo, a fighter he had previously expressed interest in facing. While he didn’t dive into specifics of past rivalries, he noted the unique dynamic of being on the same event as Cejudo, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the night at around the 5:30 mark of the discussion.

Retirement on the Horizon

One of the most poignant moments came when Cruz discussed his decision to potentially retire after this fight. He spoke candidly about the physical toll of the sport and the personal considerations that have led him to contemplate hanging up his gloves. While not making a definitive statement, his words carried the weight of a fighter who has given much to the sport and is now weighing his future outside the cage. This segment, starting near the 10:15 point, offered a rare glimpse into the emotional side of a veteran athlete facing the end of an era.

Fun and Games with The Name Game

Lightening the mood, Cruz participated in a segment called 'The Name Game' with the hosts around the 15:40 mark. This playful interaction showcased his personality outside of fighting, as he engaged in quick-witted exchanges with Cormier and Sonnen. The game provided a break from the heavier topics, allowing fans to see a different side of the former champion while still keeping the focus on his career and upcoming bout.

Turning Down Fights: A Strategic Choice?

Shifting gears, the episode also explored the concept of fighters turning down matchups, specifically addressing whether it’s a wise move to decline a bout against UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira. Around the 23:06 timestamp, the hosts shared their perspectives on whether they ever avoided fights they believed they couldn’t win. This discussion provided insight into the strategic decisions fighters make, balancing risk and reward in a highly competitive environment. While Cruz didn’t directly weigh in on Pereira, his presence added depth to the conversation given his own history of tough career choices.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas Prediction

Another highlight of the show was Chael Sonnen’s prediction for the first main event of 2025, featuring Mackenzie Dern against Amanda Ribas. At approximately the 31:46 mark, Sonnen broke down the matchup, analyzing the strengths and potential outcomes for both fighters. His take offered a detailed look at what fans can expect from this anticipated clash, focusing on stylistic differences and key factors that could determine the winner.

An Unexpected Challenge for Daniel Cormier

Closing out the episode, Daniel Cormier shared a surprising story about an individual who confronted him at a recent wrestling match, seeking a physical altercation. Around the 36:19 point, Cormier recounted the incident with humor and disbelief, detailing how the situation unfolded. While keeping the identity of the person undisclosed, he painted a vivid picture of the encounter, emphasizing the unexpected nature of being challenged outside the MMA context. This anecdote added a personal touch to the show, blending Cormier’s past as a wrestler with his current role as a commentator.

Overall, this episode of Good Guy / Bad Guy delivered a mix of serious reflection and lighthearted moments, with Dominick Cruz’s potential retirement taking center stage alongside other compelling MMA topics. From fight predictions to personal stories, the show captured the multifaceted nature of the sport through the lens of seasoned fighters and analysts.