Dominick Cruz is a fighter who has been plagued with several serious setbacks throughout his career, including multiple ACL tears, a torn groin and even gross hand injuries that has caused him to miss significant time away from the octagon.
In fact, Cruz hasn’t been able to fight since September of 2014, and has fought only three times since 2011. So, when the former bantamweight champion showed up to open workouts in Boston, only two days ahead of his much-anticipated comeback fight against T.J. Dillashaw at UFC Fight Night 81 walking with the aid of crutches, you wouldn’t blame fans and media members alike for holding their breath.
Thankfully, however, Cruz wasn’t injured, and instead was just messing with everyone while paying tribute to none other than Willy Wonka himself, even though it sure seemed like the live crowd may not have gotten the reference (granted the movie is 45 years old at this point, but still, it’s a classic).
It’s an excellent gag, but Cruz probably just about gave Dana White a heart attack considering Fight Night 81 on Sunday night is being broadcast on FS1, and Cruz’s bout with current bantamweight champion Dillashaw is the main-event of the evening.