Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone took part in a fan Q&A prior to the UFC 155 weigh-ins on Friday afternoon and gave quite a performance.
In between the numerous requests for hugs from female fans and the bizarre question of whether or not he’d rather ride Arianny Celeste or his horses, he gave quite a bit of insight into his motivations and obstacles.
Cerrone is set to fight Anthony Pettis on January 26 as part of the UFC on Fox 6 card, “I plan on going out there and standing with him. Come on mother——.”
With regard to how the beef started with Pettis, Cerrone simply said, “I started the beef, but the truth hurts.”
Fans were interested to hear how Cerrone felt about Strikeforce Champion Gilbert Melendez possibly jumping over Cerrone for a title shot, “The guy has been a champion for a while. If Dana wants to give him a shot (so be it). If they want to give him a fight before that, I’m game.”
With regard to Benson Henderson, the current UFC Lightweight Champion, Cerrone said a third fight with him would turn out differently. If they were to meet again, Cerrone stated, “I’ll beat him.”
“Cowboy’s” charismatic personality was shining throughout the Q&A. He answered questions directly (with a lot of bad language mixed in), and seemed very appreciative of the opportunity to connect with fans.
Cerrone was asked to discuss the low point of his life, “When I lived in a closet. I had no money, then I fought and won $40,000. To have a bank account and know I can fill up my car and be okay now (is great).”
Cowboy is fueled by the young fighters. He said, “The young guys keep me motivated. Youngsters coming up behind me.”
As one may have expected, there was a question directed towards Cerrone regarding gun control. When asked about his thoughts on any sort of proposed gun laws, Cerrone said, “They aren’t going to take my guns. I have 44 guns and they aren’t going to take my guns. They need to enforce how and who to give guns to. But there are Americans like me who are responsible and they shouldn’t take that away. If they outlaw guns, they won’t take mine.”
Cerrone has a common sense approach to marijuana testing as well, “I believe the (current) policy should stay. (Nick Diaz) should be able to smoke his weed and whatever, but don’t show up to the fight stoned. Be allowed to do it in states that have legalized it, but not while performing at the UFC.”
The UFC accident clause is something Cowboy addressed. Cerrone is an avid wakeboarder and doesn’t see why he shouldn’t be allowed to do extreme sports such as wakeboarding, bungee jumping, bull riding, etc. “I want to be a professional wakeboarder. This summer, when I don’t have a fight, I’m going to sit down with Dana. Are you telling me I can’t go ride my horses?”
Time and time again Cerrone stressed the importance of showing up for a fight, whether or not you are sick or injured. Cowboy even brought along his gear in the event Jamie Varner pulls out of his fight once again. As Cerrone stated, “I would have thrown up all over Melvin and got it done.”
*All quotes obtained first hand by B/R MMA
Joe Chacon is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report and a staff writer for Operation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @JoeChacon.
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