The bad luck continues for top bantamweight title contenders Dominick Cruz and Raphael Assuncao as both fighters have suffered injuries.
Both fighters announced their injuries on social media today as Cruz has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and Assuncao broke his ankle.
Cruz is the former bantamweight champion and he has gone through several injuries over the past couple of years. The injuries caused the UFC to strip him of the bantamweight title and recently returned to action earlier this year. He previously injured his left knee and he wrote that there is now a timetable for his return.
“It is with great sadness to report I have experienced another ACL injury,” Cruz said. “Leading up to my last fight in September and after, I have practiced a very careful and methodical training and diet regimen to keep my body healthy. Unfortunately, this is beyond my understanding and control. I don’t have a timetable for my return but trust and know I will pour my heart and soul into returning to the Octagon.”
Assunacao has a victory over bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw and a previous injury caused him a chance at a rematch with Dillashaw for the title. His injury will keep him on the sideline for 8-10 weeks and he was “devastated” to announce his injury today.
“I am devastated 2 inform that my title shot hopes will be even further delayed due to a broken ankle suffered in training,” Assunacao said. “I am sorry once again.”
With Cruz and Assunacao both on the sideline, it appears likely that former champion Renan Barao may now be in a line for a title shot against Dillashaw, who defeated him back in May to become champion.