MMA Star Dominick Cruz on Fighting Depression

If you follow mixed martial arts at all, then you’re probably familiar with two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion, Dominick Cruz. As one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in mixed martial arts, at an early age, Cruz found success well beyond his humble Arizona upbringing.

What you may not know is that Dominick also fights depression. For three years, he battled the darkness of his illness.

Through the help of professionals, he was able to move beyond injury and mental illness and make his comeback to the UFC.

Dominick opened up about his depression on the Joe Rogan Podcast and gave some practical insight into fighting the condition.

I love how honest he is about his depression. But he handles it and breaks it down like an athlete which I think is the coolest part. It’s a challenge, which he needs to overcome. It’s that simple in his eyes. And no matter if it’s a physical or mental injury, it’s okay to get help.

I especially appreciated his spotter analogy and felt it was perfect. We need spotters in multiple areas of life, and it’s okay to have them. There’s no shame in it.

Watch his interview because, not only does it remind you that you’re not alone and that you can still be successful despite depression, Dominick approaches his illness from a practical perspective as we all should.

I hope through this interview, you’ll discover that it’s okay to get help, and you’ll feel motivated to keep going.

Thank you, Dominick, for your honesty, and a special thank you to Joe Rogan for giving him a safe place to share this.