Former UFC lightweight and new Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Donald Cerrone is making his mark in the welterweight division. Three fights, three finishes, and three Performance of the Night bonuses have all followed the jovial, but pugnacious “Cowboy’s” transition to the 170-pound division.
And one person who is especially happy with Cerrone’s move to welterweight is UFC color commentator, Joe Rogan, who also holds a black belt in BJJ.
“Don’t do that [cut weight to 155 pounds] anymore,” Rogan told Cerrone on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. “I know you keep talking about fighting Eddie Alvarez because you already beat him and now he’s the champ, but goddamn you’re looking good at 170.”
Rogan was particularly impressed with Donald’s recent fight against Rick Story. He described Cowboy’s performance as “Anderson Silva shit,” saying Cerrone looked like he was in The Matrix.
In fact, Rogan said Cowboy’s performance against Story was more impressive than Silva’s performance against Forrest Griffin. Forrest, to the best of Rogan’s understanding, had been knocked out twice during his training camp and may not have been in the best shape for his fight with Silva. Story, on the other hand, was described by Joe as “big,” “powerful,” and “a nasty motherfucker.”
It is hard to argue with Rogan that Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is looking great at 170, and if the former lightweight title contender can put on a show against a high-level welterweight – say, like Robbie Lawler – he will have made a convincing argument to be next in line for the promotion’s 170-pound strap.
