Although Donald Cerrone is 35 year’s old, and has over 40 bouts under his belt, “Cowboy” seems as eager as ever to fight whenever and whomever he can. But, one of the star’s coaches believes it’s time for Cerrone to ease off the gas pedal, just a wee bit…
Cerrone has become a fan favorite not only because of his aggressive and finishing style, but because of his ‘anytime, anyplace’ attitude. In an age where a lot of UFC fighters are competing just twice a year, Cerrone has had three fight plus campaigns every year since 2012. As of June 30th, Cerrone has already fought twice in 2018, so chances are, that streak is going to continue.
In fact, when Yancy Medeiros recently dropped out ofhis July 7th bout with Mike Perry, Cerrone apparently got the call. According to Cerrone’s striking coach, Brandon Gibson, the fighter was up for the fight, even though he just competed last weekend, while being sick, and lost via decision to Leon Edwards via decision (quote via MMA Fighting):
“He got the phone call [this week] to fight Mike Perry and he said yes. He’s under a medical suspension right now so it’s kind of off the table. His son hadn’t been born yet. Lindsey was probably having contractions. They were at the hospital and he was like, ‘Hey, do you have time to do this? I’m feeling good. I’m ready. I just came off an awesome camp. Mike’s been training out of JacksonWink but no hard feelings. Let’s go put on a show. I’ll step up.’”
While that bout isn’t happening (Paul Felder is facing Perry now) this is classic “Cowboy”. But, would facing a heavy hitter like Perry be advisable anyways? A few weeks after going 25 minutes with Edwards? Probably not.
There have been calls from other observers in recent months for Cerrone to pick-and-chose his fights more wisely. While discussing Cerrone’s desire to keep a full, fight schedule, Gibson said this:
“I don’t want him fighting five times a year,” Gibson said. “I think those days are over, but he’s always gonna be that, ‘I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime’ kind of guy. Some of these, you’ve just got to get up and ride with ‘Cowboy.’ That’s the life he’s gonna live.”
It will be interesting to see whether Cerrone decides to slow it down. But, chances are if the UFC keeps offering him bouts, and short notice fights, he’ll be willing to take them.