With seven straight wins that include marquee victories over the likes of Benson Henderson, Eddie Alvarez and Myles Jury, Donald Cerrone was set take on Khabib Nurmagomedov with a lightweight title shot on the line at UFC 187.
Unfortunately for Cerrone, Nurmagomedov was forced off the card due to injury, but Cerrone stayed on the card, settling for late replacement. John Makdessi. While Makdessi is a major underdog, Cerrone isn’t taking the Canadian lightly.
“I just want to let everyone know, I’m not underestimating anybody,” said Cerrone at UFC 187 pre-fight press scrum. “I’m here to kick ass and take names. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in.”
“[Makdessi] is a game, solid dude. [I’m] super excited for Saturday night man. If you haven’t bought it, order it on PPV. Let’s go. Get off your asses. Cowboy’s fighting. It’s going to be a good time.”
One of the biggest reasons Cerrone took the fight with Makdessi is to live up to the reputation that he has established.
“I can’t be the guy that says I’m going to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, and then [say], well except for this one,” said Cerrone. “Right? So [f-bomb] it, let’s go.”
While Cerrone is more than focused on Makdessi, he still has an eye on the UFC champion.
“Against Pettis, [Dos Anjos] looked awesome,” Cerrone said. “[He] did everything right in that fight. I’m sure he’s going to be watching very closely on Saturday night, and i’m excited to do rounds 4, 5, 6,7 and 8 with him.”
A potential title shot would be absolutely welcomed by Cerrone, but he’s open to whatever the UFC gives him.
“If I win this fight, and they say ‘Cowboy, we don’t know what we’re going to do yet, have a seat. I’ll say give me another fight, but if they say ‘Cowboy, we’re giving you a title [shot], here you go. Awesome. I’ll sit, and I’ll wait. Then I’ll go wakeboard my ass off all summer.”