UFC 269 is this weekend and the card is completely stacked. On the prelims we will see this tremendous matchup in the bantamweight division. Former champion Dominick Cruz (23-3) takes on contender Pedro Munhoz (19-6, 1 NC).
Dominick Cruz is considered by many to be the greatest bantamweight in UFC history. He was the first bantamweight champion for the promotion and he had a tremendous run at the top of the division.
However, injuries really derailed the career of Cruz. For example, he’s only fought six times in the last ten years. The last time we saw him was at UFC 259 when he won a close decision over young contender Casey Kenney.
Cruz is going to face a stiffer test in the durable and tough Pedro Munhoz. Back in 2019, it appeared that Munhoz was on the cusp of a UFC title shot. He had won three in a row which included a knockout win over former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt.
That win got him a fight with Aljamain Sterling which he ultimately dropped by decision. Starting with that fight, Munhoz is just 1-3 in his last four fights. His last fight was a decision loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 265 in August.
UFC 269 Prediction
This is such tremendous matchmaking and it’s a very intriguing matchup. At a point in time, this could’ve been a matchup that you could have seen for the UFC bantamweight title.
In his last fight, Dominick Cruz didn’t look as sharp as he did in the past. The footwork looked decent, but it didn’t look elite like it had in the past. Prime Dominick Cruz walks through Casey Kenney and that didn’t happen earlier this year.
Pedro Munhoz also didn’t look like the prime version of himself in his last fight. Munhoz is normally a guy who will push forward with a lot of volume. However, he did way too much waiting against Jose Aldo.
I’m curious to see who will lead this dance at UFC 269. I really like Cruz if he can look remotely close to the prime version of himself. His footwork and speed can be used to frustrate Munhoz.
That said, Munhoz does have the power to land big shots which could steal some rounds. I think this fight will ultimately be pretty close, but the point style of Cruz will lead him to a decision over Pedro Munhoz.
Prediction: Dominick Cruz by Unanimous Decision