‘Cruz Wants Title Shot Upon Return To The Octagon’

Following a failed title defense, former UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz wants to gain his belt back as soon as possible.

Dominick Cruz lost his title to current champion Cody “No Love” Garbrandt by way of unanimous decision at UFC 207 in December.

Since the bout, Cruz has been recovering from an injury. Now, Alliance MMA head coach Eric Del Fierro has claimed a next step for the former champion.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Fierro gave an update on Cruz’s recovery.

“Dominick is good.” Fierro told MMA Junkie. “You guys have seen him around – he stays positive, he does his thing. Right now, he’s just taking care of his body. He’s training – not 100 percent, full time – but he’s here training and just kind of letting his body heal.

“With that plantar fasciitis, that seems to be the one of the most complicated injuries he’s ever had, and I say that because anybody that’s had that injury, or that condition, it just doesn’t go away. And the only thing that really helps it is rest.”

As far as a next opponent, Fierro told MMA Junkie

“I think Cody’s slick. “He’s slick, and I think what he showed is a lot of composure. I think he’s got a lot more that he hasn’t shown. Rematches are always difficult, and teammates fighting teammates is a whole different level of mental battle, so the question is who can put it aside more than the other and I would kind of give that edge to Cody – but I don’t know.”

Garbrandt is currently set to defend his title against former fellow Team Alpha Male member and former champion T.J. Dillashaw sometime after the airing of The Ultimate Fighter‘s new season. Both competitors are coaching for this year’s TUF.