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The Flowing Wells High School graduate retired two weeks before his fight with Rob Font on UFC Fight Night.  

The 39-year-old Cruz, nicknamed "Dominator," was a two-time UFC bantamweight champion, who fought and trained in San Diego. Cruz had a 24-4 record as an MMA fighter. 

Cruz is one of several fighters from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to compete in the UFC, along with Anthony Birchak, Chad Griggs and George Roop. Other notable UFC fighters from Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ are Safford native Justin Gaethje and Sierra Vista product Don Frye. 

Cruz first began his professional fighting career in 2005 with "Rage in the Cage" and "Total Combat" organizations, before posting a 9-0 record in the World Extreme Cagefighting. In 2011, Cruz won his first UFC bantamweight championship with a win over Urijah Faber. Cruz reclaimed the title in 2016 with a split-decision win over T.J. Dillishaw at UFC Fight Night 81. 

Since joining the UFC, Cruz accrued several ACL, foot and shoulder injuries — the latter leading to his retirement. Cruz will now focus on his UFC analyst role at ESPN.  

In Cruz's retirement post on social media, he said, "I have poured every ounce of myself into this sport for the last 25 years."

"This sport has been everything to me — it's helped shape who I am," Cruz said. "Thank you to the UFC for building this platform and paving the way for fighters like myself and so many others. The UFC broke barriers to set the stage not just for us as fighters. ... I am incredibly grateful to everyone who booked tickets, hotels and flights to support me. Thank you all for being there through every moment, every victory and every challenge. You’ve made this journey unforgettable.

"Thank you for the love and support. I will carry it with me always."