“It’s very important I don’t overstep my boundaries with those eight weeks,” Cruz said on Inside MMA. “I’m only looking eight weeks ahead. I’m not looking seven months ahead. I have to be real with myself. I have to be real with everybody. I can’t come back too soon. I’ve already had double-ACL surgery. This isn’t a game. This is a serious business. This is my livelihood and my life.”

“That’s who I want right off the bat. If nothing else, I deserve to come back and get that title-shot. I’ve defended the title four times if you count WEC,” said Cruz. “I think I’ve earned the right to be able to come back when I get this knee figured out and fight for the title.”