UFC veteran Donald Cerrone will retire after competing two more times in the organization.
Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon scrapped from UFC 274
Cerrone was scheduled to take on another grizzled veteran in Joe Lauzon this past weekend at UFC 274. However, the fight was canceled after ‘Cowboy’ was forced to withdraw from the bout due to illness. Cerrone’s fight-day withdrawal was reportedly caused by food poisoning the night before the event at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ.
UFC president Dana White stated that Cerrone contracted food poisoning “eating tacos” at a restaurant in the host city. White said that the promotion tried their best but was unable to keep the fight together as not even an IV would’ve helped him. Eventually, they swapped out the contest with Randy Brown vs. Khaos Williams on the main card.
During the build-up to the fight, an emotional Cerrone talked about the significance of being able to fight in front of his son, Danger. He shared that it would’ve marked the first time that his son’s been old enough to understand the sport.
White mentioned the possibility of UFC rescheduling Cerrone’s match against Lauzon to serve as the second last bout on the 39-year-old American’s record.
Cerrone wants to make it to 50 fights
Starting his UFC career in 2011, Donald Cerrone has remained one of the most reliable men athletes under the banner. He’s never had to pull out in 48 fights until UFC 274. Coming off six consecutive losses, ‘Cowboy’ was looking to get back to winning ways this past Saturday.
In a video posted to his Instagram, Cerrone expressed his disappointment at having had to pull out and thanked the UFC staff for their support in an attempt to make it to the fight. He revealed that he’s aiming to make it to 50 fights under Zuffa before hanging up the gloves.
“I have 48 fights under Zuffa. I am saddened that I couldn’t have my 49th, put on a show for you all. My number is 50, gentlemen. I’ll retire when I get 50. So I got two more fights left in the UFC. So thank you, Dana White. Thank you, Joe Lauzon. Thank you for understanding and not taking that fight with an ill, sick ‘Cowboy.’ I wouldn’t want to fight that guy. You want a strong, healthy motherf*cker. So, we’ll meet again. Like I said, ‘Cowboy’s’ got two more fights under Zuffa. I want 50 fights and then I’m bowing out, and I’m out of here, boys. I’ll be back stronger than ever and ready to take on the world.”
As one of the most decorated fighters in the company, Cerrone can certainly add another feather to his cap. ‘Cowboy’ currently has the second most finishes in the promotion with 16. He’s also tied for both the most wins in UFC history and most bonuses of any fighter with 18 in the UFC.
