The first inductee for the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame is two-time former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. This announcement came during Saturday’s UFC 324 event which was streamed live on Paramount+.

Cruz has had a significant impact on the sport, showcasing an innovative style in the Octagon that set him apart in the bantamweight division.

“Dominick Cruz is one of the greatest bantamweights in combat sports history,” said UFC President Dana White. “He was an exceptional athlete who paved the way for future bantamweights, and it’s an honor to celebrate him with this induction into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Cruz’s career began with a notable loss to Urijah Faber for the WEC featherweight championship in 2007, after which he transitioned to bantamweight, capturing the WEC title with a TKO against Brian Bowles in 2010. He later became the inaugural UFC bantamweight champion and faced multiple injuries that led him to vacate the title.

Despite challenges, Cruz made a remarkable return to the octagon, defending his title successfully.

He officially retired from active competition in 2022 but has since become a highly respected fight analyst, leveraging his extensive experience in the sport.