Donald Cerrone has a lot to prove next month when he takes on Mike Perry at UFC Fight Night 139 in Denver, Colorado.
Not only is “Cowboy” fighting to end an ongoing feud with his former team of Jackson-Wink, but the 35-year-old veteran is trying to show that he still belongs at 170 pounds. After all, Cerrone has produced a dismal 1-4 record at welterweight since the start of 2017.
In the lead up to UFC Denver, Cerrone seems to be taking his preparation to the next level. As a former UFC lightweight contender who is often getting pushed around by larger welterweights, “Cowboy” is looking extra swoll heading into his grudge match with “Platinum” Perry.
Cerrone’s training partner, Joe Schilling, posted the above image to Instagram earlier this week showcasing “Cowboy’s” new physique.
Considering Perry is one of the more muscular fighters at 170 pounds, Cerrone is smart to bulk up a bit and close the distance in the strength department. Of course, “Cowboy” will still want to be the quicker fighter so he’s able to utilize his kicks and combinations from distance.
Cerrone has never really looked the part of a welterweight since moving up from 155 pounds back in 2016. He has turned in some memorable performances, including finishes over Matt Brown, Yancy Medeiros, Rick Story, and Patrick Cote, but he’s been overpowered on more than once occasion.
Only time will tell if Cerrone’s new look will help him against some of the welterweight’s best. Because at this point, a loss to Perry at UFC Denver will likely push “Cowboy” back down to lightweight.
For complete UFC Denver fight card news click here.