2/23/2017
This podcast dives into the unique world of Dominick Cruz, a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion, offering insights into his unconventional fighting style, his journey through a grueling string of injuries, and his mindset toward overcoming adversity. Cruz’s reflections on his upbringing, his philosophy on mental strength, and his views on the evolution of MMA provide a fascinating look into the mind of a champion.
1. The Impact of Upbringing on Cruz’s Mental Fortitude:
Cruz credits his strong mental fortitude to his mother’s strict and unwavering approach to discipline.
She instilled in him a sense of accountability and discouraged excuses, shaping his unwavering resolve.
This upbringing instilled a deep aversion to weakness and excuses, which he carries into his fighting career.
His grandmother also played a significant role in his upbringing, reinforcing his mother’s tough love approach.
2. The Evolution of Cruz’s Unconventional Fighting Style:
Cruz’s fighting style, described as uniquely his own, evolved from his understanding of MMA’s unique rules and the importance of defense.
He sought to avoid damage by constantly moving and utilizing unconventional angles, creating a dynamic and difficult-to-predict approach.
His style focuses on disrupting opponents’ rhythm and forcing them to react, often overloading their responses.
This adaptability makes his style a constant work in progress, always evolving with each fight.
3. The Psychological Warfare of MMA and the Importance of Mental Toughness:
Cruz believes that MMA is as much a mental battle as a physical one.
He emphasizes the importance of mental preparedness and the ability to control one’s emotions, especially in the face of adversity.
He views the mental aspect as crucial to handling pressure, overcoming setbacks, and adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of the fight.
He highlights how mental toughness is often the difference between a champion and a gym assassin, allowing fighters to perform at their peak under pressure.
4. Cruz’s Battle With Injuries and the Power of Letting Go:
Cruz recounts his struggle with a series of catastrophic injuries that threatened his career.
His experience highlighted the mental and emotional toll of injury, leading to a critical turning point.
He found solace in letting go of control and accepting the possibility that he may never fight again.
This newfound peace allowed him to focus on his mental well-being and his physical recovery, ultimately leading to a triumphant comeback.
5. The Mental Impact of Success and the Importance of Self-Identity Beyond Fighting:
Cruz shares his struggle with depression after achieving significant financial success.
He realized that he had used exercise and competition to mask his underlying emotional issues.
His injuries forced him to confront these issues head-on, leading to a journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of his own emotional well-being.
He emphasizes the importance of finding a sense of identity and purpose outside of fighting, ensuring a fulfilling life beyond the cage.
6. The UFC’s Balancing Act Between Entertainment and Skill:
Cruz points out the UFC’s focus on entertainment value, which can sometimes overshadow the importance of skill and experience.
He highlights the cases of fighters like CM Punk who, despite lacking experience, gained significant attention and financial opportunities.
This dynamic underscores the UFC’s willingness to prioritize entertainment and marketability over the traditional trajectory of martial arts development.
He acknowledges that while this approach is commercially beneficial, it raises questions about fairness and the value placed on true skill and dedication within the sport.
7. The Role of Ego and its Impact on Fighters’ Performance:
Cruz delves into the role of ego in MMA, recognizing its potential to hinder both training and performance.
He observes that ego can lead to inflexibility, a reluctance to accept instruction, and an overemphasis on self-preservation.
He believes that fighters who can set aside their ego are more open to learning, adaptable, and ultimately more successful in the long run.
He contrasts the openness of female fighters in accepting instruction with the ego-driven tendencies often observed in male fighters.
8. The Power of Women in MMA and their Approach to Instruction:
Cruz highlights the unique approach of female fighters to instruction.
He believes that women, having historically had to overcome greater societal expectations, are more open to accepting guidance and learning from others.
This humility and willingness to learn allows them to rapidly absorb knowledge and skills.
He contrasts this with the ego-driven tendencies often observed in male fighters, who may be less willing to accept guidance or acknowledge their limitations.
9. The Future of Cruz and his Motivation for a Comeback:
Cruz reveals his plans for a comeback, aiming to reclaim his title and face the winner of the upcoming Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw fight.
He’s motivated not by the need to prove himself, but by the desire to continue competing at the highest level and challenge himself against the best.
He emphasizes his focus on regaining his health and ensuring he’s perfectly prepared for a return to the Octagon.
His perspective emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the enjoyment of the competition, rather than simply chasing a win.
10. The Importance of Understanding the Mental State of Fighters:
Cruz emphasizes the need for viewers to understand the mental state of fighters during a fight.
He explains how a seemingly minor injury, such as a cut, can drastically alter a fighter’s mindset and approach.
He describes how the decision to go all-in, even in the face of adversity, can be a strategic choice based on the perceived threat of a stoppage.
This insight emphasizes the complexities of the sport and the need for empathy when evaluating fighter performance.
11. The Value of Longevity and Adaptability in Determining a Champion:
Cruz believes that true greatness in MMA isn’t just about winning; it’s about maintaining dominance over an extended period.
He argues that a fighter who can adapt and consistently compete at the highest level over many years is truly a champion.
He uses Fedor Emelianenko’s reign as an example, acknowledging Cain Velasquez’s prowess but emphasizing Fedor’s longevity and sustained dominance.
This perspective highlights the importance of evolving skills and resilience in determining a true champion.
12. The Impact of USADA Testing on the Sport:
Cruz discusses the impact of USADA testing on the sport, particularly regarding the performance of fighters like Mirko Cro Cop.
He suggests that Cro Cop’s success in Japan’s Rizin FF, where testing is less stringent, indicates a potential advantage from performance-enhancing drugs.
This discussion highlights the ongoing debate surrounding PEDs in MMA and the complex implications of testing and regulation.
13. The Importance of Amateur Experience and Its Impact on Professional Success:
Cruz emphasizes the value of amateur experience in MMA, arguing that it provides a crucial foundation for professional success.
He contrasts CM Punk’s immediate entry into the UFC with the traditional path of developing skills in smaller organizations.
He believes that amateur competition is essential for developing the necessary skills, resilience, and understanding of the sport.
This discussion touches upon the controversial practice of fighters entering the UFC without significant amateur experience.
14. The UFC’s Strategy of Using Celebrity Fighters for Financial Gain:
Cruz criticizes the UFC’s strategy of using celebrity fighters, like CM Punk, to generate revenue.
He argues that this approach prioritizes entertainment over skill and fairness, potentially devaluing the dedication and hard work of true MMA athletes.
He suggests that this focus on marketability could have a detrimental impact on the sport’s integrity and the perception of fighters who have dedicated their lives to the craft.
15. The Rise of Women in MMA and the Shift in Power Dynamics:
Cruz discusses the rapid growth of women’s MMA, recognizing its significant shift in power dynamics.
He notes the increased popularity and mainstream acceptance of women fighters, who are now main-eventing shows and commanding attention.
This discussion highlights the changing landscape of the sport and the increasing recognition of female athletes’ skill and dedication.
16. The Difference Between “Listening” and “Hearing” in Coaching:
Cruz makes a distinction between “listening” and “hearing” in the context of coaching.
He observes that while male fighters may “listen” to instructions, they often fail to truly “hear” and internalize the information due to ego or preconceived ideas.
In contrast, female fighters, according to Cruz, are more open to hearing and applying instruction, leading to more rapid skill development.
This observation highlights the importance of open-mindedness and receptivity in learning, particularly in a sport as demanding as MMA.
17. The Impact of Relationships on Coaching and Training:
Cruz acknowledges the complexity of romantic relationships in the context of coaching and training.
He observes that while some couples can find success in this dynamic, it’s often difficult for fighters to receive constructive criticism from their significant others.
This discussion touches upon the challenges of maintaining a healthy balance between personal relationships and the demanding nature of professional fighting.
18. The Importance of Finding Joy and Fulfillment Beyond Competition:
Cruz’s journey highlights the importance of finding joy and fulfillment beyond the competitive realm of MMA.
He emphasizes the need to cultivate a sense of self-worth and purpose outside of the sport.
His experience underscores the potential for depression and a sense of emptiness when fighters solely rely on competition for validation.
He advocates for a holistic approach to life, embracing personal growth and finding fulfillment in various aspects of life.
19. The Broader Implications of Cruz’s Story:
Beyond the realm of MMA, Cruz’s story resonates with anyone who has faced adversity, overcome challenges, and sought to define their own path.
His journey highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth.
He provides a powerful example of how to confront difficult emotions, learn from setbacks, and find strength through adversity.
20. A Champion’s Mindset for Life:
Cruz’s approach to life, characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a unwavering commitment to self-improvement, extends beyond the fighting world.
His determination to overcome challenges, his constant quest for knowledge, and his commitment to self-discovery inspire anyone striving to achieve their full potential.
His story exemplifies a champion’s mindset, not just in the ring, but in all aspects of life.
5 Memorable Quotes
- “Everybody’s so good that if you don’t invest every ounce of yourself into something, there’s somebody else that is.”
- “The only way to make the best of it is to accept it right the second it happens to understand that that’s just the way it is.”
- “The second you make an excuse, the second you say, well, I was a little off here, a little off there because of this, this, and this, is the second you allow your mind to go into a path of well, it wasn’t under it wasn’t in my control. Which means you’re not really like dealing with the problems at hand.”
- “The best in the world aren’t the ones who just win. It’s someone who win in stay on top for a long period of time.”
- “The whole reason we’re fighting is is to spiritual, emotional, physical, mental battle that helps you grow as an individual and as a human being. It’s not just to have these things that you think will make you happy.”