Dominick Cruz confidently claims he is ‘nightmare’ for Jose Aldo despite saying fight is ‘off the table’

Jose Aldo had recently revealed that he was waiting for an offer from Dana White to re-enter the UFC. The former champion is confident that he is still in fighting shape, and his performance at UFC 301 proves that. ‘The King of Rio’ reportedly wants to fight for the title again. He has won four out of his last five fights. As such, if Marlon Vera can fight for the title, an argument could be made for Aldo as well.

However, Cruz does not believe Aldo would renegotiate. He also wanted to know what Aldo fights for at the age of 37. Initially, Jose Aldo had confirmed that Dominick Cruz was supposed to be his original opponent at UFC 301. However, Aldo heard that Cruz had an issue during his camp that forced him to withdraw. That led to booking the fight against Jonathan Martinez.

Dominick Cruz talks about still being in the UFC rankings despite inactivity

Dominick Cruz has competed in the promotion since the UFC/WEC merger. He currently ranks #13 in the bantamweight division. However, he was previously removed from the rankings which had brought up many rumors. Cruz has not competed since his knockout loss against Marlon Vera.

During his conversation on The Anik & Florian Podcast, he discussed this matter. Cruz did reveal something interesting during the conversation.

When you get pulled out of the rankings, it makes people think something, but I asked to be removed from the rankings because what you hear is ‘You’re holding up,’ I’m not holding anybody up because people are going to ask to fight me whether I’m in the rankings or not. Dominick Cruz via The Anik & Florian podcast

Dominick Cruz’s last fight was in 2022, when he fought Marlon Vera. He was brutally knocked out in the fourth round and has not stepped in the octagon ever since. However, he previously signed a new contract with the UFC. Cruz revealed that he was planning out his comeback and wants to make his return sometime this year.