Daron Jae Cruickshank (born June 11, 1985)[1] is an American mixed martial artist currently competing as a lightweight for the Xtreme Fighting Championships.
Originally from Westland, Michigan, Cruickshank began training in combat sports from a young age.
Both of Cruickshank's parents are fourth degree black belts in Taekwondo who ran their own schools.
His father is a former mixed martial artist with multiple black belts, while his mother is also a former professional competitor in kickboxing and boxing.
[7] Cruickshank is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and was also a talented wrestler, having competed in wrestling and also swimming since he was in the eighth grade.
[8] Cruickshank made his amateur debut in August 2008 where he defeated Tom Grisham via KO at XCC 11: Duel in Downriver 2.
In his professional debut he fought Ricky Stettner at KOTC: Strike Point, where he won by first-round KO.
He fought Bobby Green at KOTC: Imminent Danger for the Junior Welterweight Championship but lost by a guillotine choke in round 2.
[13] Cruickshank faced fellow cast member Chris Tickle on June 1, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale.
In the final 10 seconds of the Makdessi fight, he had his nose badly injured and wound up having surgery to repair what his doctor called "the worst thing he's ever seen."
[18] Cruickshank faced off against Yves Edwards on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8, replacing an injured Spencer Fisher.
[21] Cruickshank, a significant betting underdog, won the fight via TKO due to a kick and punches in the first round.
He made his debut against Shinji Sasaki on April 17, 2016, and won the fight via TKO due to soccer kicks in the first round.