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Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone has the most wins in UFC history. He is one of the most iconic fighters to have ever entered the cage and has been fighting at an incredibly high level for almost his entire career. However, he is now 38 and hasn't picked up a win in his last six fights which suggests retirement could soon be on the cards.
'Cowboy' has stated that he is keen to continue fighting and in truth, you could argue he hasn't suffered a particularly bad loss until his most recent bout with Alex Morono. After he was knocked out in the first round of that one, many called for the veteran to retire but it would be a shame to see such a legend go out like that.
'Cowboy' deserves to go out with a bang and while he would likely love to continue fighting for some time, the UFC wouldn't want to keep putting him in fights that go like the last one. Instead, we should see the 38-year-old take on someone at a similar stage in their career and with enough name value to make the fight a big deal.
There are plenty of UFC veterans that fit this bill and would make worthy opponents for the possible last fight in Cerrone's storied career. Here are 5 potential matchups that would make fitting retirement fights for 'Cowboy':
#5. Donald Cerrone vs. Jim Miller II
No fighters in UFC history have had more fights for the promotion than Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller. Miller made his UFC debut in 2008 and has since racked up a ridiculous 38 fights. 'Cowboy' only made his UFC debut in 2011 but has managed to fight 37 times in the time period since.
Given he is also a fellow UFC record holder, Miller seems like an appropriate retirement fight for 'Cowboy'. Both fighters are 38 years old and while 'Cowboy' has had the more decorated career, Miller has shown better form as of late, winning three of his last six fights.
Miller has stated that fighting the 38-year-old for his 40th UFC fight would be of interest to him. The bout would be a rematch of a fight that took place in 2014 when 'Cowboy' won via second-round knockout. Seeing these two record-holders rematch in 2022 would provide a fitting end to Cerrone's UFC career.
#4. Donald Cerrone vs. Matt Brown II
Donald Cerrone vs. Matt Brown could be another fun option between two UFC veterans. Brown is now 41 years old but still appears to be in good shape. He won his most recent fight last summer against Dhiego Lima. Given his lengthy run in the UFC, he appears to be a suitable opponent for 'Cowboy' at this stage of his career.
Matt Brown, like Jim Miller, has shown good form late in his career, recording three KO wins in his last five fights. In truth, this is why both men don't rank higher given that they have had a few wins in recent bouts. 'Cowboy', on his part, hasn't picked up a win in his last six, although he has admittedly been taking on stronger opponents during that time.
In any case, Brown has put together a long, successful career in the UFC that makes him deserving of consideration for Cerrone's retirement fight. These two fought in 2016 when 'Cowboy' was victorious via a third-round head kick knockout.
#3. Donald Cerrone vs. Robbie Lawler II
Robbie Lawler is coming off the back of a win at UFC 266 but prior to that he had lost four straight. His last win before UFC 266 was a unanimous decision over 'Cowboy' in 2017. That result was considered rather controversial at the time and so why not run it back now?
Lawler, like 'Cowboy', has had a decorated run in the UFC and will always be a big name in the sport given his run with the UFC welterweight championship. He is also 39, meaning he is high-profile for this potential retirement fight, as well as being at somewhat of a similar point in his career that makes this a good fit.
'Cowboy' deserves a big name opponent for his retirement and Lawler is the highest profile name we have seen on this list thus far. Perhaps seeing these two legends square off would be the perfect send-off for Cerrone.
#2. Donald Cerrone vs. Clay Guida
It is somewhat surprising that the UFC has never matched up Donald Cerrone and Clay Guida in a fight given both men have been contenders in the lightweight division for over a decade. While Cerrone has fought at welterweight recently, he has stated his intention to return to the lightweight division for some time now.
Guida is another veteran who has continued to earn victories late in his career. Guida secured two victories in 2021 and Chael Sonnen even mentioned him as a potential opponent for Conor McGregor. However, it doesn't seem too dangerous a fight to put 'Cowboy' in given Guida has no KOs since 2017.
In fact, stylistically this appears to be a great fit. Both men are excellent strikers who only appear to have lost a little pop in the latter stages of their careers. They are also great on the ground and could have plenty of interesting jiu-jitsu exchanges should the fight end up there.
#1. Donald Cerrone vs. Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz and Donald Cerrone are two of the biggest bada**** the sport of MMA has seen. While it's a shame they haven't fought yet, with both men still keen to compete, this fight seems like it would be a perfect retirement bout for 'Cowboy' and potentially even Diaz too.
Diaz recently returned to the octagon at UFC 266 in a losing effort to Robbie Lawler. While he had good moments in that bout, the 38-year-old has now failed to win any of his last four bouts. This puts him in a very similar career position to 'Cowboy' and means this bout would make total sense.
Seeing two of the sport's biggest legends go at it one last time would be the perfect send-off for both. Here's hoping this is the fight we get some time in 2022.
