UFC President Dana White is not on board with Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone’s plans for a potential return to the octagon. The former title contender, who retired in 2022, has expressed interest in stepping out of retirement to fight twice, aiming to reach a career total of 50 fights.
Cerrone's last victory came in May 2019, when he won a decision over Al Iaquinta. However, after that, he experienced a rough patch, going on a four-fight losing streak, including three TKO losses to top fighters like Tony Ferguson, Justin Gaethje, and Conor McGregor. Cerrone managed to go the distance in a bout against Anthony Pettis at UFC 249, but his fight with Niko Price, initially ruled a majority decision, was later overturned to a no contest. He was then finished by Alex Morono in May 2021 and submitted by Jim Miller at UFC 276 in July 2022.
White Sounds Off
Despite Cerrone’s aspirations for a comeback, Dana White strongly opposes the idea. During a press conference following Dana White’s Contender Series 76, White made his stance clear.
I hate it,” White said. “I love him, but I hate that. He retired. For what? What’s left to prove? If it’s about making money, we can figure something else out. When guys retire, they retire for a reason—they know it's over. It’s hard to walk away from, not just the money, but the feeling of walking out of that tunnel, getting in the cage, and hearing the crowd.”
- Dana White on Cowboy Cerrone coming out of retirement
White continued to emphasize that Cerrone is a beloved figure in the UFC, and he's "gone to war" in the Octagon more than enough times to deserve the adulation he receives.
... it’s time for him to stop going to war—there’s nothing left for him to prove.”
- Dana White on Cowboy Cerrone coming out of retirement
