Split image of Dominick Cruz commentating at UFC Vegas 103, opposite Urijah Faber after defeating Brad Pickett. Credits: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Dominick Cruz reacts to 45-year-old rival coming out of retirement to fight former UFC champion

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Curtis Calhoun | Last updated Mar 4, 2025 2:02 PM ET

Recently retired Dominick Cruz reacted to his most-heated rival coming out of retirement for a return to MMA.

Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber‘s rivalry set the stage for the bantamweights, including modern stars such as Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. Their three fights across two promotions created one of the most heated pairings in MMA history, with Cruz getting the better of Faber in two of the three matchups.

Nine years since their trilogy, Faber will return to MMA in the brand-new Global Fight League against former UFC titleholder Renan Barao. It’s Faber’s first MMA fight since a loss to former UFC champion Petr Yan at UFC 245.

As Cruz embraces the opening weeks of MMA retirement, he gave his two cents on his longtime adversary attempting a comeback to the cage.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Dominick Cruz endorses 45-year-old Urijah Faber’s MMA return

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Cruz weighed in on Faber’s return to MMA.

“He retired. But you see it with [Donald] Cerrone, too,” Cruz said of Faber. “You know that like you’re talking about the itch [to fight], right? I guess the question is: is that the itch? Does it ever go away or do we find a way to fill it without having to fight? I don’t know.

“But, Faber wants to get back in there. He must think he’s ready. So, let him go do it.” (h/t MMA Knockout)

Despite Cruz’s endorsement, many fans aren’t as excited to see Faber’s return to MMA. The 45-year-old is one of a slew of former UFC standouts to announce their returns to fighting in the GFL, featuring matchups like Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold.

Cruz announced his retirement after a scheduled fight at UFC Seattle fell through due to injury. While on the call at UFC Vegas 103 last Saturday, the UFC tributed Cruz’s storied career, albeit in front of a small crowd at the Apex.

Fans are calling for Dominick Cruz to enter the UFC Hall of Fame this summer

After announcing his retirement, Cruz is likely set for a UFC Hall of Fame induction, potentially as soon as this summer. The full UFC HOF Class of 2025 is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Cruz retired after multiple comebacks during his career from injury, including his inspiring title win against TJ Dillashaw to reclaim the bantamweight belt. Before a loss to Marlon Vera in Aug. 2022, Cruz appeared on the cusp of another title run with back-to-back wins over Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz.

Cruz is an MMA pioneer and one of the biggest ambassadors of the sport. As he makes the full-time transition to broadcasting, Cruz will keep a keen eye on Faber and his other former rivals’ upcoming fights.