Training Partner: Dominick Cruz Has “Made a Name Off” Fighting Opponents Built Like Henry Cejudo

Due to the fact Dominick Cruz hasn’t fought since 2016, and because he’s about to face one of the most decorated fighters ever, it’s not surprising he’s a significant underdog heading into UFC 249.

But, his training partner and PFL fighter Brendan Loughnane is reminding people to take a look at who Cruz has beat during his storied career.

Loughnane believes Cruz is a bad match-up for Henry Cejudo

Cruz has been tapped to fight bantamweight champ Henry Cejudo this Saturday, which will mark the first time he’s fought since 2016. Due to injuries and fights falling through, Cruz hasn’t competed since his second reign as the UFC champ was ended by Cody Garbrandt at 207.

Well, as noted above, Cruz is a sizeable underdog heading into UFC 249. As it stands right now, the betting lines have the 34-year-old as the underdog with odds ranging from +175 to +196.

But, during a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Eurobash podcast, Loughnane had this to say about the match-up.

“I actually do think [it’s a good style matchup for Cruz],” Loughnane said.

“If you look at ‘Mighty Mouse’ and all the other guys he’s fought, they’re all short… Urijah Faber… Dom’s made a name off these shorter guys and fighting them. And his style lends to it because he’s long and rangy at the weight.

I really do think he’s going to win this fight. I just think it’s written in the stars for him, honest to God. I’ve never met anyone like him, it really is written in the stars for him.”

Loughnane isn’t the only person to make this observation and it’s definitely a solid point. Cruz has outscored many, shorter fighters who were also talented wrestlers. Including T.J. Dillashaw.

Now, Cejudo boosters would likely note that none of the these fighters have an Olympic Gold Medal in wrestling like Cejudo. But, it would be silly to right Cruz off.

If Cruz has been able to put together a somewhat solid camp, and if he’s healthy and in shape, his movement and reach could give Cejudo some serious problems.

Loughnane says he’s proud to be Cruz’s friend

The match-up aside, if Cruz does reclaim the bantamweight title on Saturday it will be one of the greatest comeback stories in MMA history. Thus, this is why, Loughnane also said this.

“What a story – this man has been to hell and back.”

“He’s injured both knees, both hands – he’s literally done every bone and every muscle in his body – it’s incredible.

To comeback after however many years out and to do Dillashaw the way that he did, who was unstoppable at the time, and now he’s about to come back and get the belt again – what a story! The guy’s an inspirational man, I’m proud to call him a friend and I can’t wait to watch.”

We shall see what happens. UFC 249 will take place in Jacksonville, Florida.