Dominick Cruz knows what it feels like when a comeback story gets interrupted by the body.
TMZ Sports reported that Cruz, a newly inducted UFC Hall of Famer and former bantamweight champion, spoke about McGregor’s latest injury after the Irish star’s return fight ended almost immediately.
Cruz said the setback could become a “blessing in disguise” if McGregor uses it the right way.
Cruz Thinks the Real Fight Is Mental
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Cruz has a long history with major injuries, including multiple knee setbacks during his own championship career.
Rather than focusing only on the physical recovery, Cruz said the deeper challenge is mental, emotional and spiritual. His point was that McGregor may learn something from the injury that he could not learn through training, sparring or another ordinary fight camp.
Cruz told TMZ Sports that the injury could be something that happened “for him, not to him,” if McGregor chooses to treat it as a turning point.
McGregor’s Comeback Ended in 69 Seconds
McGregor’s UFC 329 fight against Max Holloway ended at 1:09 of the opening round. CBS Sports reported that McGregor’s right leg buckled during an early kick attempt and that referee Mike Beltran stopped the fight once McGregor could not put weight on it.
Holloway was awarded a first-round TKO victory by injury. The fight was McGregor’s first UFC appearance since his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, when he suffered a broken leg.
McGregor later argued that the Holloway result should be changed to a no-contest while he waited for further medical information. The current official result remains a TKO loss.
Cruz Has Been Through the Long Road Back
TMZ reported that he told McGregor the lesson is not simply about whether the body can heal, but whether the person can rebuild the rest of life around the comeback. He described fighting as “the gift” once the rest of life is in order.
Cruz said he hopes McGregor does not have a full ACL tear. TMZ previously reported that McGregor said he would need surgery and recovery before returning to training.