Donald Cerrone Wants Khabib Nurmagomedov After Time Off

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is currently one of the hottest fighters in the lightweight division, and in the UFC overall. Cerrone proved that he lives by his words of “anytime, anywhere”, by stepping in on just two weeks’ notice last night at UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston, after just competing at January 3’s UFC 182.

“Cowboy” is the definition of a company man, and after securing his seventh win in the last 14 months over Benson Henderson last night, the surging lightweight is finally looking for some time off. He also admitted that although he won, his celebration was kept minimal due to his friendship with Henderson:

“Ben is, inside and out of the cage, a good friend of mine,” Cerrone told MMAjunkie after the event, which took place at Boston’s TD Garden. “So, definitely a tough win. Celebrating? I don’t know.

“Seven (wins) in a row – I feel good. It’s time to take some time off, talk with (UFC President) Dana (White) and (UFC Chairman and CEO) Lorenzo (Fertitta) after this.”

It may be tough for fans and media members alike to believe Cerrone when he says he wants some time off, considering he was the one who once said he would like to fight six times in one year, but White, who was standing next to “Cowboy” at the post-fight press conference, confirmed that it was time for the Colorado native to take a breather.

After all, White reluctantly offered Cerrone the fight with Henderson, almost not wanting him to accept the bout. However, in typical “Cowboy” fashion, he called White back and told the UFC president to sign him up and that he would see him in Boston.

Last night was the third time Cerrone and Henderson had met, with Henderson getting the better of Cerrone the first two times. This fight was a very close, back and forth contest, and many believed the decision should have went the former champion’s way rather than Cerrone’s. However, two judges gave “Cowboy” two of the rounds and awarded him his seventh-straight win.

This streak that Cerrone is carrying should be enough to warrant him a title shot, but champion Anthony Pettis is already set to defend his title at UFC 185 in March against Rafael dos Anjos. So as for what’s next for the Jackson-Winklejohn product, there seems to be only man that makes sense:

“Talking with Dana and Lorenzo, I think Khabib’s going to be next for sure,” Cerrone said

Nurmagomedov is currently on the sidelines nursing an ACL injury that he suffered right after signing on to face Cerrone. The Dagestan-born fighter, who is currently the No. 1- ranked lightweight, should be ready to go in May or June, which would give “Cowboy” his much needed time off.

Do you think Cerrone can get passed Nurmagomedov and earn his long awaited UFC title shot?