“Ever Since Conor, I Did Nothing”- Donald Cerrone Details His Training For UFC 249

In a physically taxing sport like MMA, working out and keeping fit is the most important part. They play an essential role in the fighter’s conditioning. However, a big loss can often throw fighters off their game and interfere with their workout regimen.  Which is exactly what Donald Cerrone experienced.

The Cowboy admits that his loss to Conor McGregor, early this year threw him off his game. Cerrone is no stranger to losses, throughout his career he has suffered 14 losses, 11 of which came during his tenure in the UFC.

His loss seemed like a scene out of a horror movie. The Irishman made short work of the Cowboy after sending him to the canvas within 40 seconds of the first bell.

In conversation with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Cerrone admits that following his loss to McGregor he fell into a rut. Shirking work, avoiding training, and not taking care of himself in general.

“Hell no, I had no idea… I went zero to hero, it’s crazy. Ever since Conor, I did nothing. Didn’t even look at a gym or a weight or a treadmill. So hell no, I was out of shape,” admits Cowboy Cerrone as he explains his downward spiral.

However, the situation where Cerrone found himself is not very surprising. Fighters often pour their heart and soul into their pre-fight training sessions and to have it undone in less than a minute? It could traumatize even the best of us.

“I don’t know man, [usually] I get right back in there. This one I didn’t. I just kind of sat… a little self-pity. Who knows? Brett, it’s hard man, to prepare for something like that and then make it 40 f*****g seconds. That’s tough. That’s a f*****g kick to the d**k,” responds Donald Cerrone to questions about whether there was something special about this fight.

Dealing with strangers is not what bothers the 37-year-old fighter. Having to face this situation along with his team is where the real problem lies.

“I don’t even mind the people out there, you know, that sucks. But internally like me and my guys, it’s hard to choke that up. I don’t know, I don’t have any excuses, it just sucked. It’s just the way it was. We didn’t take that fight lightly, it just sucked. That’s the crazy thing about this game, anything can happen,” claims Cerrone while expanding on his perilous situation.

Cerrone is looking to take on Anthony Pettis on the preliminary card. Cerrone’s BMF Ranch in Edgewood, New Mexico, is equipped with a home gym, which makes it easier for Cowboy to work out ahead of his fight on May 9th.

As far as sparring and grappling go, Cerrone claims that he is an old school fighter that way he can prepare for fights without the same. However, he has brought in people who he needs.

What would you have done if you were in Cerrone’s shoes?