Dominick Cruz. Foto: Divulgação.
Dominick Cruz and his injury make the news once again, further reshuffling the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Cruz, who first underwent surgery to deal with a knee injury in June of this year, had to go under the knife for a second time to replace his anterior cruciate ligament, according his coach, Eric Del Fierro, in a statement made to the MMAjunkie.com.
The bantamweight champion, who hasn’t fought since October of 2011, will likely be on ice until midway through 2013.
Cruz’s coach addressed his student’s state of mind, but allayed fans’ concerns.
“He’s pissed and disappointed. But I think he’s doing better now. Once he talked to the doctor and found out what was going on, he felt much better,” Del Fierro told the website, adding that the athlete will likely have to spend six to nine months in recovery.
Dominick was injured in May of this year while training for a second title fight with Urijah Faber. When the bout, set to cap off the 15th season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, was scrapped, it cleared the way for Renan Barão to fight Faber for the interim belt at UFC 149.
Cruz’s lengthened layoff further justifies the will of Dana White, who wants to promote an interim title defense for Barão before he tries to unify the bantamweight belts. Michael McDonald, who is riding a four-fight win streak, will likely challenge the Brazilian interim champion.
For more UFC and MMA coverage,
visit GRACIEMAG.com’s Choke MMA section.
