Cerrone’s UFC Comeback Plan Never Produced a Fight
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone’s planned UFC comeback began as a bid to reach 50 appearances under the UFC and WEC banner. In October 2024, more than two years after retiring, he said he wanted two more fights. UFC CEO Dana White publicly opposed the return, saying he was concerned about Cerrone’s long-term health and offering to help him find another path. MMA Fighting reported White’s response.
What prompted the debate
Cerrone retired after a submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276 on July 2, 2022. He finished his UFC run without a win in his last seven bouts: six losses and one no contest. His comeback idea drew scrutiny after he spoke publicly about using testosterone and other performance-enhancing substances while retired. Miller, his final opponent, criticized the circumstances but said the decision was Cerrone’s to make. MMA Fighting’s interview with Miller gives his full response.
In December 2024, Cerrone said he had re-entered the UFC’s anti-doping testing pool and was targeting a return in June or July 2025, with two fights planned. That timetable passed without a UFC comeback. Reuters reported his stated plan at the time; it was an intention, not a confirmed booking.
Cerrone’s next announced contest
As of October 2026, Cerrone has not fought again in MMA. He is scheduled to face Anthony Pettis in a freestyle wrestling match at the November 28 Real American Freestyle event in Chicago. Pettis won both of their earlier UFC meetings, in 2013 and 2020. This is a wrestling contest, not Cerrone’s announced return to the UFC or to MMA. MMA Fighting reported the matchup.
