Written by :
Press Release
Published on :
Erik Apple sits down with former WEC and UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz for an in-depth conversation about his legendary career.
Cruz opens up about his humble beginnings fighting on wild, unregulated underground cards in Mexico, winning his first title in the WEC to quit his day job, and the psychological warfare of high-level fighting. Plus, Cruz brings his elite analytical mind to break down the upcoming heavyweight matchup between Ciryl Gane and Josh Parisian.
Episode Timestamps
- 00:07 – Erik Apple welcomes former dual-champion and elite analyst Dominick Cruz to the show.
- 00:30 – Reflecting on Cruz's storied career trajectory from Arizona and Total Combat to the WEC and UFC.
- 03:58 – Winning the WEC bantamweight title against Brian Bowles in 2010 and finally quitting his day job.
- 05:08 – Training roots with Eric Del Fierro and the transactional nature of early MMA gyms.
- 07:08 – Fighting on wild, cartel-controlled underground cards at Baby Rock in Tijuana.
- 10:47 – The psychological pressure of combat sports and managing pre-fight panic.
- 14:48 – Fear of failure, working crummy jobs, and the ultimate motivation to succeed.
- 16:46 – Fight Analysis: Dominick Cruz breaks down the stylistic matchup between Ciryl Gane and Josh Parisian.
- 20:41 – Episode wrap-up and mutual gratitude for their long-standing friendship
- BetOnline Press
