“Back to Setting Records” – Donald Cerrone Announces Return to UFC Lightweight

MMA veteran and arguably one of the finest to step inside the Octagon, Donald Cerrone has announced his return to the lightweight division. After a lackluster run at welterweight, Cowboy looked sharp in his recent Instagram post where he dropped the news.

He wrote, “2021 I’m coming in hot. Back to lightweight, Back on a mission!! Back to setting Records”

Donald Cerrone has always been lightweight. While he has had several impressive performances at 170-pounds, he never had the built or frame to fight against the welterweight contenders.

‘Cowboy’ moved to welterweight back in February 2016 and picked up four wins in a row. Subsequently, he fell prey to the elite 170-pounders like Robbie Lawler, Darren Till, Jorge Masvidal, and Leon Edwards. He finished his first welterweight run with six wins and four losses.

It was in January 2019 that he announced his return to the lightweight division and rightfully so. He sent a statement to the entire division with back-to-back wins and “Fight of the Night” performances over Alexander Hernandez and Al Iaquinta. However, setbacks once again knocked on the doors of ‘Cowboy’ after he was paired with Tony Ferguson. Cerrone would lose his next two bouts against credible opponents in the form of Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje.

Can Donald Cerrone make a comeback?

Soon after the first round TKO loss over former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, Cerrone moved back to the 170-pound division. However, he failed to grab a win, losing to Conor McGregor in 40 seconds of the very first round. Going forward, he lost to fellow veteran Anthony Pettis, and settled on a draw against up-and-coming Niko Price in September.

Cerrone has not had a victory to his name since June 2019. Given his form and with age being a factor, it makes sense for him to compete in the lightweight division.

He has never had issues in making weight for the 155-pound division and has always looked sharper and quicker as a lightweight. He has repeatedly stated that he is not done fighting. Needless to say, some of Cerrone’s incredible performances have come at this division. The former lightweight title contender will look to turn back the clock as he returns to the UFC’s lightweight division.