Dominick Cruz accepted a surprisingly risky return fight…

Former champion Dominick Cruz is set to face rising bantamweight contender Casey Kenney at UFC 259 in March. Patrick Auger and Drake Riggs share their initial thoughts on the matchup and more.

Riggs felt like this was strange matchmaking at first, but now sees that this is a massive opportunity for Casey Kenney. For Dominick Cruz, it’s a chance to rebound and work his way up the rankings yet again. By accepting the fight against Kenney, Cruz has also shown that he believes he needs to prove himself once more.

Auger’s gut reaction was different in that he feels like this could be a potential retirement fight for Dominick Cruz. Auger comments that Cruz’s body has never allowed him to compete at the frequency he wants.

A win would be a big rebound fight for him, but what makes this fight so risky is that he’s now well out of contention in the bantamweight division if he loses.

Riggs would have preferred the WEC super-fight matchup with Jose Aldo. He wants the UFC to at least book this before Cruz retires.

As far as predictions go, Riggs can’t see Kenney finding a way to win this one. Cruz is consistent inside the cage and always shows up. Pressure will be on Kenney in this one, and he won’t be able to replicate the success of prior opponents like Cody Garbrandt.