5 Greatest UFC Bantamweight Championship FightsÂ
At the end of December 2010, Dominick Cruz reigned as WEC Bantamweight Champion. Since that period collided with the WEC's merger with UFC, the Bantamweight division was introduced, and Dominick Cruz was given the UFC Bantamweight Championship, similar to how Jose Aldo was awarded the UFC Featherweight Championship, and Ronda Rousey the Women's Bantamweight Championship.
Cruz would reign as champion until early 2014, where he would be forced to vacate it due to injuries. The introduction of the Bantamweight division was one of the best things that happened to the UFC from a business standpoint. The division has seen stars like Cruz, Urijah Faber, TJ Dillashaw, Renan Barao and even Demetrious Johnson at one point.
The Bantamweights never had to go through the "neglected" treatment that the Flyweights had to. The stars have helped build and represent the so-called "smaller guys", and they've proven that having a "smaller" frame doesn't withhold you from being a world-class fighter.
We've seen some all-time great fights, and we take a look at the five strongest and greatest title bouts in UFC Men's Bantamweight history.
#5 Dominick Cruz (c) vs Demetrious Johnson - UFC Live: October 1st, 2011
It's incredible to think that prior to his unforgettable run as Flyweight Champion, Demetrious Johnson fought among the Bantamweight elite. In fact, DJ had only one loss on his record prior to Cruz.
They main evented UFC Live in Washington DC and put on an absolute clinic. This was a dream fight even then, and the two gave everything they had, with Cruz outpointing Mighty Mouse to get a relatively comfortable decision victory.
Putting aside Cruz's health in the last many years, this would definitely be a fight that fans would love to revisit. DJ after this fight would have one draw then go on the hottest winning streak, eventually having a record-breaking championship reign.