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More than two years after laying down the gloves in the center of the Octagon, Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone is coming out of retirement to seek all-time status in the UFC.
In July 2022, Cerrone retired with a 36-17 record and 48 combined UFC and WEC appearances, dating back to 2007. His departure from the sport came amid a six-fight streak that culminated in a loss by submission to fellow veteran Jim Miller.
On Tuesday, the 41-year-old fan favorite announced his plan to make two more walks to the cage to reach the 50-fight mark with Zuffa.
“I want to come back and get two more fights,” Cerrone said in a video posted to his Instagram. 'When I retired, I told you I was combing my hair and [I’d] take steroids.
'The number 50 [Zuffa] It's been on my mind for a while. I have been working with Transcend for the last two years, taking [testosterone-replacement therapy] and a lot of peptides.
UFC legend Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone plans to return more than two years after retiring from MMA
Cerrone will presumably be required to re-enter the UFC anti-drug program for a mandatory period of time. However, the UFC may waive the condition in special circumstances.
'Now, we have a protocol for all of you that [say]”Oh, what happens if you get involved? You will never be able to get out of it.” Well, now I have to go out and pee clean and fight in a few months. Look at this,” Cerrone said.
Cowboy, who fights out of his home gym, BMF Ranch, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the most popular and beloved fighters in MMA history. He is tied for second in all-time wins in the UFC with 23 and third in appearances with 38.
Miller holds the record in each category with 26 wins in 44 appearances. A-10 is also 1-1 against Cerrone, losing by second-round knockout in 2014 before tying the score in 2022.
Cerrone has fought the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Nate Diaz and Eddie Alvarez.
Ceronne retired after losing to Jim Miller in 2022, just two fights shy of 50 UFC appearances
Although Cerrone specifically mentioned the 50 bouts, he doesn't limit his goals to how many times he stepped foot in the cage. In his caption, Cerrone wrote: “More wins in UFC history, more finishes, more bonuses, more tickets to that cage.”
His legendary career includes fights against Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson, Leon Edwards, Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Cerrone also has wins over Charles Oliveira, Eddie Alvarez, Matt Brown and Edson Barbosa.
Cowboy fought for WEC gold three times between 2009 and 2010. He fought for the UFC lightweight title in December 2015, but lost to Rafael Dos Anjos in Round 1.
Cerrone has 10 knockout wins and an impressive 17 submission wins. He is tied for third most finishes in UFC history with 16.
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