Dominick Cruz Focuses On Wins Instead Of Creating Buzz With Trash Talk Or Knockouts

For most UFC fighters, the rise to infamy comes from a highlight reel featuring signature knockouts or submissions. Conor McGregor’s trash talk or Ronda Rousey’s finishes become viral sensations that help grow their brand.

Referred to as the “Decisionator” by longtime foe and UFC 199 opponent Urijah Faber, Dominick Cruz isn’t a knockout artist who creates social media buzz. But he’s OK with that.

“Faber’s worst enemy is his ego. The finish is when you walk away with your hands raised,” Cruz told UFC.com.

Cruz has made a career by using his brain and unique fighting style to become a multi-time world champion. Earlier this year before capturing UFC gold, Cruz critiqued former champ TJ Dillashaw for not being smart enough to defeat him, while priding himself on using octagon-smarts to earn victories.

When Cruz isn’t in the octagon he’s analyzing fights for FOX. Those skills are what he believes give him a constant edge against any opponent. Instead of analyzing other fights, he does it to himself.

“I can analyze and have knowledge to break down things while I fight,” Cruz said. “It brings percentages more to my favor every time because I can adjust mid-fight.”

It’s hard to argue against the “Dominator.” He’s won all of his fights in the UFC and has won all six of his title fights.

And yet the only blemish on his resume comes at the hands of Faber, who submitted him in their first meeting in 2007. Cruz, of course, is the most recent winner in their series. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be taking Faber lightly.

He admitted “The California Kid” is right at the top and would probably beat Thomas Almeida, Cody Garbrandt or other top fighters in the 135-pound division. Which fighter Cruz faces doesn’t matter to him, though. In his mind, he only faces himself.