In a revealing conversations, former UFC star Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone has shed new light on the complex factors that led to both his retirement and potential comeback, including unexpected dietary issues that affected his cognitive function and subsequent medical interventions that have him feeling rejuvenated.
Cerrone disclosed that he experienced significant brain-related challenges in his final years of competition, which played a crucial role in his decision to step away from the sport. In appearance on Rodeo Time Podcast 181 Cerrone claims:
“I had a lot of brain stuff going on, which led to my wanting to retire the last couple years just because of how bad my brain was,” Cerrone explained. “It all turns out there’s a food allergy that I had, which is crazy.”
The revelation marked a significant shift in perspective for the former lightweight contender, who admitted to previously being skeptical of food sensitivities.
“You hear all these people like ‘I got a peanut allergy’ or ‘I got a gluten allergy,’ and you’re like ‘dude shut up,'” he reflected. “Now that’s me like, ‘oh man, there’s a bun on that burger.'”
Following his discovery, Cerrone adopted a carnivore diet, though he maintains a sense of humor about his occasional indulgences. During a recent VIP event, he was caught enjoying cookies despite a friend’s intervention, admitting, “Joe literally said those cookies will change your life. Those are my weakness.”
Scientifically, food sensitivities such as gluten intolerance can contribute to cognitive issues like brain fog through several mechanisms. In individuals with celiac disease, gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine, impairing the absorption of vital nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium, which are essential for neural function. Chronic inflammation from this reaction releases cytokines that disrupt the gut-brain axis, a critical pathway connecting intestinal health to mental clarity. Similarly, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), although not causing intestinal damage, may provoke systemic inflammation and immune responses that impair brain performance.
TRT
The story doesn’t end with dietary changes, however. Cerrone opened up about his use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and peptides, which he credits with helping him feel revitalized. “You feel like on the TRT especially anyone who is not like 38 to 42 area should be on testosterone replacement… you literally feel like you’re 18 Again,” he stated.
Cerrone emphasized that his treatment plan focused on therapeutic applications rather than performance enhancement. “I wasn’t on like crazy like get ripped like actual antibotic ster*ids I was on TRT and a bunch of peptides,” he clarified.
This appears to be a part of a new trend where many in the PED world compare “I’m Just on TRT” to the status fake natties used to have in a previous era.
The Goal is 50 UFC Bouts
With 48 UFC bouts under his belt, Cerrone is now eyeing a return to the octagon with a specific goal in mind: reaching 50. However, this comeback isn’t without its conditions. In discussions with UFC President Dana White, Cerrone made a crucial agreement: if he loses his comeback, he’ll step away permanently.
“Listen, hear me out, Dana,” Cerrone recounted his pitch. “I’ll make you a deal. If I come back and I lose, that’s it. I won’t—I’ll just bow out.”
He also promised his wife that 50 would be his absolute limit, showing his commitment to balancing his competitive drive with personal commitments.
Currently preparing for his potential return around July, Cerrone is taking a measured approach to his training, focusing on wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu while minimizing sparring. He’s also considering competing in the 185-pound weight class, demonstrating that TRT might just be another word for juiced AF.
