In a post fight interview following his third Octagon win of the year this past weekend, former WEC lightweight Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone (17-3) mentioned that he’d to stay busy as possible by fighting one more time in 2011.
When asked who he’d like to face, Cerrone offered a few names in particular “TUF 5″ winner Nate Diaz (14-7).
Well it appears that the Ultimate Fighting Championship has obliged his request as the promotion is putting the plans in place to have both fighters meet at UFC 141 at the end of the year.
News on the bout was first announced by MMAjunkie.com, who learned from “multiple sources” on Sunday, noting that both fighters have made verbal agreements to meet on the December card.
UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem is scheduled to take place on December 30th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and is headlined by a heavyweight bout between Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem.
The ‘Cowboy’ has been on a tear winning his last six matches, including all four of his Octagon appearances. In the UFC he’s earned three “Fight Night” bonuses, a “Knockout”, “Submission” and “Fight of the Night” payday. The latest bonus, and victory, came against German fighter Dennis Siver at this past weekends UFC 137 event. Cerrone made short work of his opponent by finishing the fight at 2:22 of the first by rear-naked choke submission.
Diaz, who also remains busy in 2011 with three bouts under his belt, returned to the lightweight division in his last match, a first round submission over Takanori Gomi a UFC 135. The younger brother to Nick Diaz, made the move back down to 155 lbs after decision losses to Dong Hyun Kim and Rory MacDonald this year. The season five “The Ultimate Fighter” winner is no stranger to “Fight Night” bonuses himself having racked up seven bonuses himself.