Now: Donald «Cowboy» Cerrone ends retirement

Donald Cerrone’s is reportedly making a comeback to the UFC after recently retiring.

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, traditionally one of the most active and beloved competitors in UFC history, have reportedly ended his retirement. After calling it quits in July 2022 following a loss to Jim Miller, Cerrone, now 41, has announced his return to the octagon for at least two more fights.

With 36 wins (!) in the UFC, and a remarkable 55 total fights between the UFC and WEC, he holds records for the most finishes, most bonuses, and the most walkouts to the octagon. His competitive spirit and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, even earned him a place in the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing in 2023.

Now, just two years after hanging up his gloves, Cerrone’s thirst for one more victory has brought him back. In a recent Instagram post, Cerrone revealed that hitting the milestone of 50 total UFC fights has been on his mind.

«I’m chasing greatness»

..he wrote, expressing his desire not only to fight again but to win in dominant fashion, aiming for another performance bonus to add to his impressive list of accolades.

Embedded from the UFC (October 2024)

Yet, the road back won’t be without its challenges. Cerrone’s last seven UFC appearances ended without a win, and after a lengthy two-year hiatus, he faces the task of getting back into competition shape.

Additionally, since stepping away from the sport, Cerrone openly embraced testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and other performance-enhancing treatments—something he’ll now need to phase out to meet USADA regulations. However, “Cowboy” seems confident that he can prove his doubters wrong.

As for potential opponents, a third fight with Jim Miller could be on the cards, with both fighters sitting at one win apiece in their series. Another possible rematch with Tony Ferguson has also generated interest, with Ferguson handing Cerrone a defeat back in 2019. Both fighters have struggled in recent years, which might make a second fight between them a fitting storyline as they each seek redemption.

Regardless of who he faces, Cerrone’s return promises to be an exciting spectacle. After all, few fighters embody the spirit of MMA quite like Cowboy Cerrone, and his journey back to the cage is sure to be one that fans won’t want to miss.