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Cerrone
UFC fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone responds to a question from U.S. servicemembers during a USO show in Iraq on March 15. Photo The USO: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

UFC Lightweight contender Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will be eyeing his 20th UFC win January 28 when he faces Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night Denver.

If victorious this Saturday at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, the highly decorated Ohio native has the opportunity to match the record currently held by UFC Middleweight champion Michael Bisping.

Coming off the back of four straight victories after his defeat to Rafael Dos Anjos, 2016 was an incredible year for Cerrone. As he pushes for a Welterweight title shot, the bookmakers have made “Cowboy” the clear 8/13 favourite over fellow American Masvidal. 

The fight is certainly not a mismatch on paper with both men boasting similar records of 32-7 (Cerrone) and 31-11 (Masvidal). Masvidal is a very experienced fighter and has recently notched notable wins over Jake Ellenberger and UFC veteran Ross Pearson. However, Cerrone will be looking to continue his rich run of form and carry on from where he finished in 2016.

The rivalry between Cerrone and Masvidal has heated up in the build-up to this fight, with Cerrone saying: “I’m going to go whip Masvidal’s ass,” on UFC Fight Night Denver: Road to the Octagon. He added: “Then call out one of the top contenders, maybe [Tyron] Woodley and say ‘Let’s dance baby’”.

Masvidal also fired back by reiterating his disdain for the Jackson-Wink MMA man.

Cerrone has managed to capture the hearts of mixed martial arts fans all around the world with his willingness to fight anyone, the entertainment he produces and his ability inside the octagon all contributing. Certainly, one of the best to step in the octagon without being champion, Cerrone hopes to land a title shot shortly.

Should “Cowboy” get past Masvidal and tie Bisping’s record feat, it means a UFC title belt is the one thing missing in his glittering career.

Barring an upset, it appears likely that Cerrone may get his shot at the Welterweight championship following Woodley’s defence against Stephen Thompson at UFC 209. If he overcomes the challenge of “Gamebred” this weekend, he may finally have his chance to cement his legacy and top off a truly incredible career.