No Bellator Here: Cowboy Signs Eight-Fight Deal With UFC
With the recent trend of UFC fighters such as Benson Henderson and Rory MacDonald deciding to pack up and head to Bellator MMA, UFC welterweight Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone has decided to take the road less traveled.
Following his second round TKO win over Rick Story at UFC 202 this past Saturday (August 20, 2016), ‘Cowboy’ has officially inked a new eight-fight deal with the promotion he’s called home for the past five years.
‘Cowboy’ spoke to the media, courtesy of MMA Junkie, to discuss his contract situation shortly following his win over Story, and remained adamant that he is a ‘UFC guy’ and loves fighting for the promotion:
“I’m a UFC guy, man – I’m not going anywhere,” Cerrone said. “I talked to (new UFC CEO) Ari (Emanuel) and they seem very happy with me, so I see big things with this company.
I feel like I’m a veteran of this sport, man. I love it. I love fighting for the UFC, and this is my drug. I need it as much as I can – I feel like a crackhead up here already looking for another fight.”
The Jackson-Wink product stayed true to his word, as he will stick around to compete in the Octagon for another eight contests.
Although Cerrone has looked impressive as of late during his welterweight tenure, the former 155-pound title challenger may be dropping back down to the lightweight division as he has expressed interest in challenging current champion Eddie Alvarez.
Cerrone already holds a win over Alvarez in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, as he defeated ‘The Silent Assassin’ via unanimous decision at UFC 178 back in 2014.
Do you think ‘Cowboy’ deserves the next shot at the 155-pound throne? How does he fare against Alvarez a second time around?