Longtime Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight veteran, Donald Cerrone, was hit with a monetary fine in the wake of his UFC on FOX 17 loss to Rafael dos Anjos back in late 2015, after “Cowboy” violated the asinine Reebok outfitting policy.
His crime?
Wearing an unauthorized patch on his fight shorts, a remnant from his old Muay Thai trunks that he sports to honor his grandmother. It was a well-publicized spat and the defiant Cerrone challenged Reebok to donate his fine to charity.
The tides, it appear, have turned.
Not only was Cerrone allowed to wear the patriotic patch during his most recent fight, it was UFC who suggested it. That’s why “Cowboy” was all smiles after his unanimous decision win over Al Iaquinta at UFC on ESPN+ 9 last weekend in Ottawa (highlights), a far cry from his ranch in New Mexico.
“They did that,” Cerrone told the media (via MMA Fighting). “This isn’t me, this isn’t Cowboy being sneaky. They asked me where I wanted it and I said, ‘Right down my fucking leg, man.’ To be honest, the winning and setting records, this meant more to me than anything. Having the company that took it from me come back and say, ‘You know, where do you want it? Let’s go.’ They fined me, made a big deal out of it. Tonight, they were like, it’s where you want it, let’s go.”
I think at this point, considering everything Cerrone has done for the promotion, UFC should let him do whatever the fuck he wants. He’s bled for the fans for over decade and is consistently one of the most action-packed fighters on the roster.
For much more on his performance at UFC on ESPN+ 9 click here.