Donald Cerrone Cowboy

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Fighter bio

Donald Cerrone – General Profile

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed mainly in the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight divisions. Born on March 29, 1983, in Denver, Colorado, Cerrone is widely regarded as one of the most active and fan-favorite fighters in MMA history. Known for his toughness, willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, and track record of spectacular finishes, he became one of the sport’s most recognizable competitors.

MMA Career

Cerrone began his professional MMA career in 2006 and later joined World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), where he became a standout lightweight contender before the organization merged with the UFC. In the UFC, he competed in both lightweight and welterweight, earning numerous records and notable victories over elite opposition. Over the course of his career, Cerrone fought 38 times under the UFC banner and compiled 23 UFC wins, tying for some of the highest totals in UFC history. He challenged for titles and faced many of the division’s best, including Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos, and Benson Henderson. Following his final fight at UFC 276 in July 2022, Cerrone retired from professional competition after a long, storied career. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023 in recognition of his impact on the sport.

Fighting Style

Cerrone’s style was well-rounded and opportunistic, blending strong Muay Thai-based striking with effective grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He was known for his forward pressure, crisp combinations, and willingness to mix strikes and submissions, which led to an exceptionally high number of finishes during his career. His endurance and competitive spirit allowed him to remain dangerous throughout multiple rounds, and his ability to capitalize on openings made him a consistent threat inside the Octagon.

Recent Developments

After retiring from active competition in 2022, Cerrone accepted his legacy as one of MMA’s most prolific and entertaining fighters. Following his Hall of Fame induction, he announced intentions to return to the USADA testing pool and pursue a possible final run of fights, aiming to reach a personal milestone of 50 total appearances under the UFC/WEC banner. As of late 2025, his status remains a topic of interest among fans and pundits as he contemplates a potential comeback while continuing other ventures outside active competition.

Personal Life

Outside the Octagon, Cerrone is known for his charismatic personality, love of horseback riding, outdoor pursuits, and acting appearances in films and television. He trained out of the BMF Ranch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and became beloved for his accessibility and “anyone, anywhere” attitude toward challenges. His record-setting career includes one of the highest totals of UFC fight bonuses and a reputation for taking fights on short notice and against difficult matchups.