Donald Cerrone: 5 Defining Moments
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In his next outing, the 36-year-old will meet Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 151, which takes place at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on May 4.
As the big day approaches, here are five moments that have come to
define the career of the popular pugilist they call “Cowboy.”
A MEMORABLE BATTLE … In October 2009, then 26-year-old Cerrone fought Benson Henderson for the World Extreme Cagefighting lightweight interim title at WEC 43. The 25-minute battle proved to be a fast-paced, enthralling affair. ‘Cowboy’ used his formidable muay Thai skills to try and keep the action on the feet, while Henderson looked to land takedowns at every opportunity. Although Cerrone spent considerable time on his back, he threatened with a variety of submissions, including a triangle choke in the final moments of the bout. After five rounds, the judges all sided with Henderson. For their efforts, the pair was awarded Fight of the Night honors. They would go on to fight a further two times.
IMPRESSIVE DEBUT … At UFC 126 in February 2011, ‘Cowboy’ made his highly-anticipated promotional bow versus Paul Kelly at lightweight. Many expected that the British brawler would prove to be a tough test for Cerrone. At the commencement of the clash, Kelly even threw a cheap shot at the Colorado native when the latter was expecting him to touch gloves in the customary sporting gesture. Both combatants had some success with their striking but at the 3:48 point of the second stanza, Cerrone seized the victory with a rear-naked choke. It was apparent from this Fight of the Night honor-winning bout that ‘Cowboy’ was going to be a fan favourite in his new organization.
FIGHTING SMART … In April 2014 at UFC on Fox 11, Cerrone was paired opposite revered Brazilian striker Edson Barboza. Most anticipated that this meeting between the two Muay Thai exponents would end in a knockout finish. In the early going, the two traded punches and kicks. However, a little over three minutes into the first frame, ‘Cowboy’ dropped his adversary with a jab to the chin. From there, he quickly took his back and set up a rear-naked choke to grab a first-round submission win.
MISSING OUT ON GOLD … ‘Cowboy’ was riding an eight-fight win streak when he fought incumbent belt holder Rafael dos Anjos in a lightweight title affair at UFC on Fox 17 in December 2015. The meeting was a rematch of their UFC Fight Night 27 duel two years earlier which saw the Brazilian claim a decision. This time around, notoriously slow starter Cerrone looked to get into his groove on the feet, but was afforded no opportunity by his counterpart who poured on the pressure from the get-go. Having been punished with a barrage of punches, ‘Cowboy,’ in desperation, shot for a takedown that Dos Anjos effortlessly defended with a sprawl. He then swivelled to Cerrone’s side and dished out ground and pound until the referee called a halt to the beatdown 1:06 into the first stanza.
STAYING RELEVANT … The now 35-year-old Cerrone had fought his previous ten bouts at welterweight. At UFC Fight Night 143 in January, ‘Cowboy’ returned to 155 pounds to challenge Alexander ‘The Great’ Hernandez, who was on an eight-fight winning streak coming into the contest. Many were of the impression that the 26-year-old would get the better of the veteran. But in the second round, ‘Cowboy’ landed a right roundhouse kick to the head which felled his opponent to the seat of his pants. Cerrone followed him to the floor and dished out ground and pound until the referee jumped in, giving the Coloradan the TKO win.
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