Dominick Cruz | Source: MMAWeekly.com
WEC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz is one of the most difficult fighters to figure out in the promotion. With only one loss–above his natural weight class–in 16 career fights, Cruz is ready for all comers, even if he’s already beaten them
In the midst of final preparations for his first title defense, a rematch against the athletic Joseph Benavidez at WEC 50, Cruz took some time to speak with Tapology’s Steven Kelliher. Cruz also discussed the not-so-secret method to discovering his game plan prior to the fight, and addressed his supposed lack of finishing ability.
The title fight between Cruz and Benavidez takes place next Wednesday, August 18 from The Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card airs live on Versus.
Tapology: You have really come into your own as a fighter in the last few years. Prior to your WEC career, however, what was your most memorable fight and why?
Cruz: Dave Hisquierdo at a Total Combat card in San Diego, California. It was a drag-out scrap that left me with 2 black eyes and my first title.
Tapology: Talk about your win over Brian Bowles and the game plan heading in. Your striking was very unpredictable in that fight and somewhat unorthodox. Is this something we are going to see more of in the future? Where do you keep your belt?
Cruz: My game plan I gave away in a pre-fight interview and my striking hasn’t changed in my last five fights. Nothing new; I just stick to traditional boxing and western kickboxing. I just try to use what you see in pro boxing every day.
My belt stays with me at my apartment right next to my TV.
Tapology: Do you think Benavidez deserves the rematch and are you excited to fight him again? Was your size and weight a significant factor in the first fight and do you think it will be in the rematch?
Cruz: Its not whether I think he deserves it, he earned a title shot for sure. It just happens that I hold the belt, and the rematch is because we both are in this position. As far as excited, I am just happy to be competing and having the WEC showcase the talent in this division!
I don’t think my size and strength were a factor at all; he comes from a good camp, has big, strong, talented guys that he is used to working with. So there should be no surprise in my strength or size.
Tapology: You won your first fight with him pretty decisively. How do you approach a rematch stylistically? What did you think of his recent performances?
Cruz: I have always known Joe was talented, even when we accepted the fight the first time. He has been on a roll lately for sure! As for how I approach a rematch stylistically? Well, if you have followed my career, you will know that I always give away my game plan in the pre-fight interview that WEC airs right before the fight! Maybe its time to watch those fights again and listen to my interview, and pay close attention to the TV on Aug. 18th right before my fight.
Tapology: What is the training like at the Alliance Training Center?
Cruz: I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to train with. I have some of the best coaching for my style. Coach Eric Del Fierro is the mastermind behind most of our game plans and I’m working with Joel Tutor for my BJJ.
Tapology: Who are your main sparring partners and what have you been working on for the Benavidez rematch?
Cruz: For this fight with Benavidez, my main sparring partners are Phil Davis, Brandon Vera, Jason Lambert and Travis Browne. I will be more than ready on Aug 18th.
Tapology: Some people have brought up the fact that you haven’t been a consistent finisher in the WEC. What do you have to say to that?
Cruz: Good question? I would really be interested to hear what my past opponents think.
Tapology: What do you think about Urijah Faber dropping to 135lbs and do you think it is his intention to stay there and make a run for your title?
Cruz: I think Faber is an incredible athlete and a legend in this sport. He is the one of the main reasons our weight divisions exist. I think it’s awesome that he is moving to 135lbs because there are some great fights for him here.
Tapology: What are your thoughts on a rematch with him and why would it go differently than the first fight?
Cruz: I think, eat, sleep, all day, all night Benavidez. There is no other opponent or athlete that I think or care about for the next week. My focus is solely on Benavidez.
Interview Conducted by Steven Kelliher
