You can’t keep a good fighter down, and Donald Cerrone is ready to prove it. After a brief retirement following a tough loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276 in July 2022, Cerrone has announced his intentions to return to the UFC with plans for two more fights. This decision comes after a challenging stretch in his career, having suffered six consecutive losses in the octagon.
Once a fan favourite in the mixed martial arts world, Cerrone has made a significant mark with a legacy boasting 48 appearances in the UFC and the WEC, and a total of 55 fights in his professional career. His goal now is to reach the milestone of 50 fights under the Zuffa banner, igniting excitement within the MMA community.
Cerrone shared his ambitious plans in a personal announcement, stating, “I want to go back [to the UFC] and get two more fights. The number 50 has been sitting on my mind for a while.” His passion for the sport and competitive spirit shine through as he outlines his desire to re-enter the octagon.
Since his retirement, Cerrone has pursued fitness and health strategies, revealing that he has been working with a company and taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), as well as other peptides. He emphasised his commitment to returning to the UFC drug-testing pool, indicating that he plans to come off these substances to ensure he can pass any upcoming tests.
“For all you people who are like, ‘Oh, what if you get on it, you can’t ever come off?’ Well, I now have to come off and piss clean,” he stated, addressing potential concerns from fans and critics alike. In his announcement, Cerrone made it clear that he intends to compete in just a few months, suggesting an eagerness to get back to what he loves.
Moreover, Cerrone’s achievements in the sport have not gone unnoticed. Following his retirement, he was inducted into the 2023 class of the UFC Hall of Fame, a testament to his remarkable career and contributions to mixed martial arts. He holds a record for the most combined UFC and WEC post-fight bonuses, boasting an impressive 23 accolades.
As he prepares for this next chapter in his MMA journey, Cerrone is sure to rally a wave of support from fans who appreciate his fighting spirit. The anticipation surrounding his return to the UFC is palpable, as both Cerrone and the MMA-loving populace eagerly await what is expected to be an electrifying comeback.
After all is said and done, Cerrone’s aim to mark his legacy by achieving 50 fights in the UFC serves as an inspiring reminder of determination and passion. His journey is far from over, and he is set on leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loves.