Why is Donald Cerrone called Cowboy, and how many UFC fights has he won?
THE UFC just would not be the same without Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone. A former professional kickboxer and 50-fight MMA veteran, the Denver native has been active in mixed-martial arts and cage fighting for almost twenty years. Cerrone holds the record for the most wins in UFC history, as well as the most bouts and takedowns […]
THE UFC just would not be the same without Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.
A former professional kickboxer and 50-fight MMA veteran, the Denver native has been active in mixed-martial arts and cage fighting for almost twenty years.
Cerrone holds the record for the most wins in UFC history, as well as the most bouts and takedowns since the organisation begin in 1993.
Why is Donald Cerrone called Cowboy?
COWBOY made his MMA debut way back in 2006, beating Nate Mohr at Ring of Fire 21.
Growing up, Cerrone was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and found his pent up energy would often get him into fights.
He attended Air Academy High School in Colorado, where he began bull riding before taking up kick-boxing in his late teens.
From there, Cerrone wanted to pursue a career in mixed-martial arts and moved to train at Greg Jackson’s Submission Fighting Gaidojutsu school in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Cowboy has gone on to become one of the most prolific MMA fighters ever, but is yet to hold a prestigious UFC title.
He has been in 51 bouts, with his UFC bow in 2011 when he beat Paul Kelly in a second round stoppage.
His last fight came against Conor McGregor in January, but he was demolished in one round.
When Cerrone was a youngster he was part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Despite taking up MMA, he continues to pay homage to his bull riding past by donning a cowboy hat and taking the ‘Cowboy’ nickname – as well as owning a state-of-the-art ranch.
Cerrone calls his 40-acre training complex the BMF ranch – it’s Twitter page says: “We don’t Breed livestock we Train Bad Mother F*****s”.
The UFC star explains: “I moved here from Colorado, and started looking for a property where I could ride bikes, horses, shoot guns.
“I called my grandpa and said, ‘I found a house and some acres I think I want to buy.’ He said, ‘I’ll be right there.’
“He drove down, and he walks right up to the lady and says, ‘My grandson wants it. We’ll take it.’
“He handed her cash. Didn’t even go inside. I was like, ‘S*** OK.’ None of this was here. We’ve built everything.”
How many UFC fights has he won?
THERE’s no denying that Donald Cerrone likes to stay active on the circuit.
He’s the busiest UFC fighter in the business and since 2011 has fought four or more times in six years – 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
Cerrone has the most wins in UFC history – 23 from his 34 bouts.
And his overall MMA record is an impressive 36 wins from 51 fights.
Of those victories, 10 have come by way of knockout whilst 17 have arrived by submission.
One thing that has alluded Cowboy is a coveted UFC world title.
He has fought for the lightweight crown once in 2015, going down in the first round to Rafael dos Anjos.