5 talking points going into UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje
![5 talking points going into UFC 274 [Image via UFC on YouTube]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/05/46e67-16516754075949-1920.jpg?w=500)
UFC 274, the fifth pay-per-view of the year from the world's premier MMA promotion, will be underway at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 7. The blockbuster event boasts a stacked main card, topped off with two intriguing title fights.
The fight card is also set to feature some fan favorites, former champions and legends of the sport. It promises to be a memorable night and has the potential to emerge as one of the best events of the year.
#UFC274 is going to be UNREAL 🔥 https://t.co/6NPkXDCzwP
The UFC's pay-per-view events often feature the biggest names in the promotion, in addition to hugely pivotal bouts that influence fighters' careers and the landscape of numerous weight classes. The implications of the fights on these cards are massive.
On that note, here are five talking points going into UFC 274: Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje.
#5. Should Donald Cerrone retire?
Donald Cerrone has been around for a long time, having started his professional career way back in 2006. The three-time WEC title challenger has come agonizingly close to winning a world championship on multiple occasions but ultimately came up short. Despite his lack of success in title fights, Cerrone remains a fan favorite.
As part of the UFC's absorption of the WEC roster back in 2011, Cerrone moved over to the Dana White-led promotion and quickly emerged as one of the most exciting fighters around. Since joining the UFC, 'Cowboy' has accrued numerous 'Fight of the Night' and 'Performance of the Night' bonuses for his all-action brand of fighting.
Cowboy leads the UFC in quite a few categories #UFCVancouver https://t.co/xRP3CU5jA0
Unfortunately, as he's gotten older, Cerrone has struggled to replicate the success of his WEC and early UFC days. He turned 39 earlier this year and his recent performances are an obvious indicator that he's slowing down. In his last 14 outings, 'Cowboy' has picked up just four wins. He hasn't won a fight since 2019.
At UFC 274, Cerrone will take on fellow MMA veteran Joe Lauzon. Lauzon has been on the roster for over 15 years and has also endured a turbulent run in his last few bouts.
![Joe Lauzon (left) and Donald Cerrone (right) [Image via @espnmma on Twitter]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/04/91aed-16503752882180-1920.jpg)
If he loses to Joe Lauzon, Donald Cerrone will have to seriously consider hanging up the gloves. While losing to young contenders is acceptable at his advanced age, a defeat to a fellow veteran who hasn't competed in three years is a worrying sign.
On the flipside, a win for 'Cowboy' could bring about some interesting opportunities. He might even opt to walk away from the sport after picking up one last win as he hasn't tasted victory since 2019. At UFC 274, we might witness Cerrone's final outing in the UFC. If he does retire, it'll mark the end of a legendary career.