5 Things You Didn’t Know About Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone
From being disemboweled to dating a Playboy model, this cowboy's life has been anything but dull.
Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone is a tough as nails fighter who originally hails from 'The Mile High City,' Denver, Colorado.
Known for his signature cowboy hat and willingness to take on all comers, 'Cowboy' has become one of the most popular and respected fighters on the UFC roster.
On November 10, 2018, he made UFC history when he submitted 'Platinum' Mike Perry. In doing so, Cerrone surpassed both Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping to become the winningest fighter in UFC history, having won 21 bouts under the promotion's banner. That very same evening, he also set the record for most finishes in UFC history (15).
The previously mentioned accomplishments all but guarantee Donald Cerrone will one day be a member of the Hall of Fame. However, despite his impressive resume, the 36-year-old former kickboxer has yet to capture UFC gold.
If he's able to get past Conor McGregor at UFC 246, he would immediately re-enter the title picture given the notoriety that comes with a victory over the Irishman.
Of course, the upcoming showdown with McGregor has generated additional interest in the man they call 'Cowboy,' particularly amongst casual fans.
In an effort to get to know this top-ranked contender better, here are a few lesser-known facts about the UFC 246 headliner.
5. 'Cowboy' Was In A Coma For 2 ½ Week
As the nickname 'Cowboy' would suggest, Cerrone, is an avid outdoorsman. His hobbies include everything from rock climbing to riding ATVs. These interests come with their share of dangers - a fact the lightweight contender knows all too well.
Back in 2006, Cerrone was involved in a gruesome ATV accident in which he landed stomach-first on the handlebars and was essentially disemboweled. As a result, he reportedly had about 50-feet of his intestines, and roughly half of his stomach removed. From there, he was placed in a medically-induced coma for two and a half weeks.
Of course, the former UFC title challenger would recover and resume his career. However, the effects of the injury would resurface in 2012, when he has rushed to the hospital to have his stomach unspun from his intestines.
Roughly two weeks after the hospital visit, the ultra-tough UFC legend stepped into the cage with Jeremy Stephens and even won the bout via unanimous decision.
The ATV incident isn't Cerrone's only brush with death. He also survived a 40-foot fall while rock climbing and got lost in a cave while scuba diving in Mexico.