5 retirement fights for Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone
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.
Most UFC wins:
Donald Cerrone: 23
Demian Maia: 22
Jim Miller: 22
Andrei Arlovski: 20
Michael Bisping: 20
Dustin Poirier 20
GSP: 20
Jon Jones: 20
#UFCVegas40
'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.
Will Jim Miller pass Donald Cerrone for most wins in UFC history? #UFCVegas40 https://t.co/56cuySt7v3
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.