LAS VEGAS – Dominick Cruz’s days as UFC champion might be long gone, but Pedro Munhoz is preparing as if Cruz still holds UFC gold.

The long-time UFC bantamweight contender takes on Cruz this Saturday on the preliminary card of UFC 269. Munhoz (19-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC), who looks to bounce back from a decision loss to Jose Aldo in August, is in no way taking Cruz lightly.

The Brazilian was quick to shut down any criticism on Cruz and his skills Wednesday. Cruz lost the UFC bantamweight title in 2016 and since then has competed just twice, going 1-1 inside the octagon.

“I don’t think (he’s taken a step back).” Munhoz told MMA Junkie at UFC 269 media day. “A lot of people said that when he had the knee surgery and then he came back to fight T.J. Dillashaw five rounds, I actually watched that fight live in Boston, and he’s no joke.

“The guy is always training and always getting better. We’re kind of the same age, so I don’t underestimate him. I never underestimate any of my opponents. That’s the mind set that I come in every fight. I know he’s going to be the best version of himself and so will I.”

Cruz is often regarded as the greatest bantamwieght in the history of the sport, and Munhoz is no stranger to fighting opponents with prestigious backgrounds. The Brazilian has competed against three former UFC champions and the current 135-pound title holder in his past five trips to the octagon.

Munhoz is more than happy the UFC is booking him against notable names.

“That’s something that I always envisioned, to be competing with the best fighters out there,” Munhoz explained. “I’m very glad to be able to do what I like to do most, and that’s fighting at the top 10 for the last five years. Just that in itself shows the kind of competitive, high-level skills fighters we have at the bantamweight division.

“For me, it’s such a big honor to be part of these fighters. Now I’m fighting No. 5 former champion in my last six fights, so it’s definitely something that makes me very excited. I want to keep working as hard as I can and as smart as I can, to keep climbing the ladder and be able to capitalize and learn new skills and still be competing in the biggest organization in the world.”

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