Cowboy Cerrone eyes Conor McGregor for Lightweight homecoming:
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| Things got cagey between the pair in they're last 'real' confrontation. |
It seems as if we are witnessing a resurgence of a certain Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone as his career looked to be dwindling towards it's conclusion. Back in 2016, Conor McGregor was scheduled to face then Lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos for the title until the Brazilian was forced from the pairing due to a broken metatarsal. Four replacement's were suggested; firstly José Aldo subsequently rejected the rematch opportunity with McGregor citing a "lack of time" to prepare, as did Frankie Edgar who was suffering with a groin injury. We eventually got Nate Diaz in a Welterweight clash, one man was overlooked to many's surprise though, as Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone was rumored to meet McGregor for the Interim title, unfortunately this meeting failed to materialize. Before last Saturday night, the clash between Conor and 'Cowboy' seemed dead in the water, that is until a resurgent Cerrone pulled off an incredible armbar victory over the highly dangerous Mike Perry, and announced his return to 155lbs in his post fight interview with Paul Felder.
The timing for this match up is perfect in my opinion. Cerrone is 2-1 in his last three walks, looking as hungry and poised as ever, and McGregor is in desperate need of a win after his four round mauling at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov in October. Justin Gaethje was linked with a matchup alongside the returning Lightweight Cerrone, but is believed to have secured a fight with Anthony Pettis in early 2019. Cerrone also surpassed both Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping for the most wins in the UFC against Perry, grabbing a whopping 21st triumph also grabbing his 15th finish, overtaking the record setting Brazilian duo Vitor Belfort and the former Middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Cerrone posted a picture of himself and 'The Notorious' one, captioned; "Just waiting on him! 🤔 I know a guy." 🤠 Speculation began to circulate that we may in fact be closer than ever to a meeting of McGregor and Cerrone, although it has to be noted that Conor will be unable to negotiate another bout during the course of his hearing and suspension with the NSAC regarding the UFC 229 fracas.
Now 35 years of age, 'Cowboy' is still an interesting potential opponent for McGregor with his well rounded Muay Thai oriented striking and of course, his stellar Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu base. Cerrone has the moniker of being a slow starter, something that McGregor may look to exploit especially considering how the Dubliner tends to slow down beyond the seven minute mark. The fight is certainly winnable for McGregor at this stage in 'Cowboy(s)' illustrious career and the pair have history of course, stemming back to their confrontation at the UFC Go Big Press Conference in 2015. Could this meeting possibly occur, and if it does, why not slap the inaugural 165lbs championship on the line.
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