The wheels are starting to move for Donald Cerrone’s return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
During a recent appearance on the Pac-Man Jones Show, “Cowboy” revealed that he has re-entered the pool for an at-home drug test in order to return to the Octagon by next summer. The UFC Hall of Famer initially announced his retirement following a second-round submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276 in July 2022. According to the Combat Sports Anti-Doping website, Cerrone has submitted to one test session so far in 2024.
“I just re-entered the testing pool,” Cerrone said on the show. “I have to stay clean for six months. I’ll probably come back in June or July. I’ll be back for two more. Just two more. I want to get 50 fights in the UFC. [under the Zuffa umbrella]. I made a promise to my wife that no matter what happens, no matter the outcome. Two more and that’s it. ”
Cerrone has fought at lightweight and welterweight during his time in the UFC, but expects to fight at middleweight this time around.
“I think it’ll be next time.” [185 pounds] That’s what I keep coming back to,” Cerrone said. “Let’s take a look at your weight once you start training again.”
Cerrone’s return has been controversial, as the 41-year-old BMF Ranch founder has publicly admitted to undergoing testosterone replacement therapy during his hiatus.
“I said when I retire, I’m going to get my hair done and take steroids,” Cerrone said in an Instagram video in October. “No.50″ [under the Zuffa banner] It’s been in my head for a while. So for the past two years I have been working with Transcend and taking TRT and high doses of peptides. Now, we have a protocol for all of you that says, “Oh, what if I get on this, I’m never going to get off this.” Well, now I have to take it off, clean the piss, and fight in a few months. So take a look at this. ”
“Cowboy” has competed in World Extreme Cagefighting and the UFC since 2007, and has fought a total of 48 fights. “Cowboy,” 41, is winless in his last seven UFC appearances dating back to June 2019. The victory was a unanimous decision victory over Al Iaquinta in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 151 on May 4, 2019.
Before calling it a career, Cerrone was one of the most popular athletes in the UFC, known for his entertaining style and willingness to maintain an active fight schedule. He found success at both welterweight and lightweight, challenging for 155-pound gold in both the UFC and WEC. His record includes wins over Charles Oliveira, Jeremy Stevens, Melvin Guillard, Edson Barboza, Miller, Eddie Alvarez, Benson Henderson, Patrick Cote, Matt Brown and Mike Perry. . He will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.
