Cerrone ending retirement, wants '2 more' UFC fights

UFC Hall of Famer Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone is coming out of retirement.

The 41-year-old announced Tuesday he's returning to mixed martial arts for two more fights, with the goal of reaching 50 combined appearances in the UFC and WEC.

"I want to go back and get two more fights ... The No. 50 has been sitting on my mind for a while," Cerrone said in a video posted on Instagram.

Cerrone retired after a submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276 in July 2022, a result that extended his winless streak to seven bouts. The Albuquerque, New Mexico, resident was inducted into the promotion's Hall of Fame last year.

Cerrone was a top lightweight contender in his prime and one of the most active fighters in the UFC. He has the third-most fights in UFC history (38), is tied for the second-most wins (23), and has the third-most finishes (16). Cerrone has a total of 48 fights under the Zuffa brand dating back to 2007.

"Cowboy" will need to re-enter the UFC drug-testing pool before stepping back into the Octagon. He hasn't shied away from his steroid use in retirement, revealing he has taken testosterone-replacement therapy and a "bunch of peptides" while working with a company called Transcend. Cerrone said he will now "come off" the prohibited substances and "piss clean."

Cerrone said he wants to return "in a few months," though he may need to be in the pool for six months before being eligible to compete.

Cerrone challenged for the UFC lightweight title once, coming up short to Rafael dos Anjos in 2015.

His last victory came against Al Iaquinta at UFC Ottawa in May 2019.