Coach Says Donald Cerrone Almost Fought At UFC 226
Donald Cerrone competed less than two weeks ago at UFC Fight Night Singapore 2018, suffering a decision loss to Leon Edwards.
When Mike Perry was left without an opponent at UFC 226, coach Brandon Gibson says Cerrone almost got the late notice fight.
“He got the phone call [this week] to fight Mike Perry and he said yes. He’s under a medical suspension right now so it’s kind of off the table. His son hadn’t been born yet. Lindsey was probably having contractions. They were at the hospital and he was like, ‘Hey, do you have time to do this? I’m feeling good. I’m ready. I just came off an awesome camp. Mike’s been training out of JacksonWink but no hard feelings. Let’s go put on a show. I’ll step up,’” says Gibson to MMA Fighting.
Paul Felder would wind up getting the opportunity and will fight Perry at UFC 226.
Gibson is OK with Cerrone not getting the short notice fight, mainly because he doesn’t want to see Cerrone fight so much per year.
“I don’t want him fighting five times a year,” Gibson said. “I think those days are over, but he’s always gonna be that ‘I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime’ kind of guy. Some of these, you’ve just got to get up and ride with ‘Cowboy.’ That’s the life he’s gonna live.”
UFC 226 takes place on Saturday, July 7 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
