" I didn’t deserve to get my title stripped after three ACL reconstructions. I didn’t deserve to be out for four years. But it happened to me, and so I definitely learned over the years that you don’t deserve anything. Nothing you have is yours. Everything is up for grabs in this world. "
- Dominick Cruz

In the statement under consideration, Dominick Cruz reflects on a period when he faced significant setbacks in his career due to recurring injuries that led to extended time away from competition and the eventual removal of his title. He asserts that these challenges taught him an essential lesson about the precariousness of success and status.

The deeper meaning behind Cruz’s words goes beyond personal loss or injury. It speaks to a broader understanding of life’s unpredictability and the impermanence of achievements and possessions. By saying, “You don’t deserve anything,” Cruz suggests that no matter how hard one works for something, external forces can easily disrupt even the most meticulously planned outcomes. This insight encourages a mindset of humility and adaptability, reminding individuals to appreciate their current successes while staying aware that they may not always last. It also prompts people to find gratitude in the present rather than taking any accomplishment for granted.

Dominick Cruz is an accomplished mixed martial artist known for his prowess in the sport of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). His career has seen both incredible highs and devastating lows, with injuries forcing him out of competition for extended periods. These experiences have shaped his perspective on success and resilience, making his reflections particularly poignant to those who face their own challenges in pursuit of their goals.