Donald Cerrone has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, recognizing his decorated career that spanned over 11 years in the promotion.
Cerrone started his professional MMA career in February 2006, quickly making a name for himself in the regional circuit. He then joined the WEC banner, where he competed for several years before signing with the UFC in 2011.
While Cerrone did not win a UFC title, he gained a reputation as a fan favorite due to his exciting style and willingness to take on tough opponents. Throughout his career, he faced off against some of the biggest names in the sport, including Charles Oliveira, Jorge Masvidal, Conor McGregor, and Nate Diaz.
Hall of Fame Induction
On the occasion of UFC San Antonio: Vera vs. Sandhagen, Cerrone was officially inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. UFC president Dana White praised him, saying that Cerrone was one of the best lightweights in UFC history and that he consistently competed against the best of the best for over a decade.
Cerrone’s impressive career spanned 53 outings, with 36 wins, 15 losses, and two no-contests. He holds the second-most wins in the history of the UFC with 23. Although he retired after going seven bouts without a win, he left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Donald Cerrone’s grandmother, Jerry Cerrone, has been a heartwarming fixture in his outings for as long as anyone can remember. She even shared a hug with Conor McGregor after his quick victory over Cowboy at UFC 246.
Grandma Cerrone embraced @TheNotoriousMMA as well #UFC246 pic.twitter.com/nBfJrgAgSp
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 19, 2020
Dana White even intervened once during the pandemic, to prevent her from attending out of concern.
Cerrone said. “She’s like, ‘I’m just gonna come’, and I was like, ‘No, I’m driving’. She’s like, ‘I’ll drive down there with you’. And then Dana called me and said, ‘I’m not gonna be responsible for grandma getting sick’ ahead of UFC 249 in Florida.
Since retiring from MMA, Cerrone has been enjoying life outside the octagon. He landed a lead role in the post-apocalyptic film Project Legion and drew attention for his incredibly jacked physique.
He also underwent a hair transplant, giving him a rejuvenated look.
Cerrone has also been linked to a potential boxing match against internet sensation Jake Paul, although that doesn’t look like it will materialize.