Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts career statistics constitute a significant record within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the wider world of professional fighting. This data set encompasses wins, losses, methods of victory, and performance metrics across various weight classes, providing a detailed overview of his competitive history. For instance, it showcases his numerous Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses, illustrating his exciting fighting style and contribution to the sport’s entertainment value.
This combat history serves as a valuable resource for analysts, commentators, and fans alike. It offers insight into a fighter’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall career trajectory. Furthermore, it contributes to the historical record of the sport, documenting the evolution of fighting styles and the competitive landscape over time. In Cerrone’s specific case, his extensive record reflects his durability, longevity, and willingness to engage in frequent bouts, qualities that have solidified his status as a fan favorite.
A deeper examination of specific fights and periods within this career provides a richer understanding of his journey through the world of mixed martial arts. This includes analysis of his striking proficiency, grappling abilities, and overall fighting strategy, along with the context of his opponents and the evolution of the sport itself.
Tips for Analyzing a Fighter’s Record
A fighter’s comprehensive record offers valuable insights beyond simple wins and losses. Careful analysis can reveal patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and potential future performance indicators.
Tip 1: Consider the Context of Wins and Losses: Victories against higher-ranked opponents carry more weight than wins against lower-ranked competition. Similarly, losses to elite fighters shouldn’t be viewed as negatively as losses to less skilled opponents.
Tip 2: Analyze Finishing Rates: A high finishing rate suggests a fighter possesses significant knockout power or submission skills. This can indicate their potential to end fights quickly and decisively.
Tip 3: Examine Fight Duration and Pace: Consistently going the distance demonstrates endurance and cardio, while a tendency for early finishes might indicate an aggressive, explosive fighting style.
Tip 4: Note the Frequency of Competition: Frequent bouts can indicate durability and a strong work ethic, but also potentially increase the risk of injury and burnout.
Tip 5: Observe Weight Class Changes: Analyze performance across different weight divisions. Success or struggles in a new weight class can reveal limitations or new potential.
Tip 6: Factor in the Level of Competition: Consider the caliber of opponents faced throughout a career. Consistent wins against top-tier talent signal elite status.
Tip 7: Recognize Trends in Method of Victory or Defeat: Recurring patterns in how a fighter wins or loses can highlight specific strengths or vulnerabilities in their skillset.
By considering these factors, one can gain a more nuanced understanding of a fighter’s capabilities and potential for future success. This analytical approach allows for a deeper appreciation of the complexities of mixed martial arts competition.
This in-depth analysis sets the stage for a comprehensive evaluation of a fighter’s career and overall impact on the sport.
1. Wins and Losses
Wins and losses form the foundational elements of any fighter’s record, providing a quantifiable measure of competitive success. In the case of Donald Cerrone, this win-loss ratio reflects not only his skill and abilities but also his approach to competition. His high volume of fights has naturally led to a greater number of losses than some fighters with fewer bouts, but this also underscores his willingness to consistently challenge himself against top-tier competition. For example, while Cerrone has experienced losses against fighters like Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Justin Gaethje, these matches were against elite opponents, demonstrating his pursuit of challenging matchups rather than an avoidance of risk.
Analyzing Cerrone’s record requires considering the context of these wins and losses. Victories over notable opponents like Edson Barboza, Eddie Alvarez, and Matt Brown hold significant weight, demonstrating his capability to defeat high-caliber fighters. Furthermore, the manner of these victorieswhether by knockout, submission, or decisionprovides further insight into his fighting style and strengths. Conversely, analyzing his losses reveals potential areas of vulnerability and allows for an assessment of his performance against different styles and skill sets. Examining the circumstances surrounding each loss, such as the opponent’s ranking and fighting style, offers a more nuanced understanding of his competitive journey.
Understanding the relationship between wins, losses, and the overall fighting record provides a crucial framework for evaluating a fighter’s career. In Cerrone’s case, his record reflects a fighter who prioritizes activity and challenging competition. This perspective emphasizes that a fighter’s legacy is not solely defined by the number of wins, but also by the quality of opposition and the overall narrative woven throughout their career. This nuanced approach to analyzing wins and losses ultimately contributes to a richer appreciation of Cerrone’s place within the sport’s history.
2. Finishes (knockouts/submissions)
Finishesvictories secured by knockout or submissionhold significant weight in a fighter’s record, offering insights into their fighting style and effectiveness. Within the context of Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts career, analyzing his finishes provides a crucial lens for understanding his approach to competition and his overall impact on the sport.
- Knockout Power:
Cerrone’s record demonstrates significant knockout power, particularly in his earlier career. His head-kick knockout of Melvin Guillard stands as a prime example of his striking prowess. These highlight-reel finishes contribute not only to his win count but also to his reputation as an exciting and dangerous striker.
- Submission Skills:
While primarily known for his striking, Cerrone possesses a well-rounded skillset that includes submissions. His triangle choke victory over Danny Castillo showcases his grappling abilities and capacity to secure victories on the ground. These submission wins add depth to his overall record and demonstrate his adaptability as a fighter.
- Aggressiveness and Finishing Instinct:
A high finishing rate often correlates with an aggressive fighting style and a “killer instinct.” Cerrone’s numerous finishes across his career underscore his proactive approach to fighting and his desire to end bouts decisively. This mentality contributes to his reputation as an entertaining fighter who consistently seeks to deliver exciting performances.
- Evolution of Fighting Style:
Examining the distribution of knockouts and submissions throughout Cerrone’s career can reveal shifts in his fighting style and strategic approach. Changes in his finishing methods over time might reflect adjustments based on experience, opponent matchups, or evolving training regimens. This longitudinal perspective provides valuable insights into his adaptability and growth as a fighter.
The prevalence of finishes within Cerrone’s record underscores his offensive-minded approach and contributes to his legacy as an action-packed fighter. By analyzing the types of finishes, their frequency, and their evolution over time, one gains a deeper understanding of his strengths, his adaptability, and his enduring impact on the sport. His propensity for decisive victories solidifies his position as a fan favorite and underscores the significance of finishes in shaping a fighter’s overall narrative within mixed martial arts.
3. Fight Duration
Fight duration constitutes a significant factor within Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts record, offering insights into his fighting style, durability, and strategic approach. Analysis reveals a varied distribution of fight lengths throughout his career, encompassing quick finishes, drawn-out decisions, and everything in between. This distribution reflects his adaptability and willingness to engage in various fight dynamics.
Shorter fight durations often correlate with aggressive, finish-seeking strategies. Cerrone’s numerous first-round knockouts and submissions exemplify this tendency, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities and end fights decisively. Conversely, longer fights, extending into later rounds or going the distance, may indicate a more measured approach, emphasizing pacing, strategic striking, and grappling exchanges. Cerrone’s record includes numerous three-round and five-round bouts, demonstrating his capacity to maintain a competitive pace throughout extended contests. For example, his five-round war with Robbie Lawler showcases his endurance and resilience, even in a losing effort.
Understanding the relationship between fight duration and overall record provides valuable context for evaluating a fighter’s performance. While quick finishes showcase decisive power and skill, the ability to endure and compete effectively in longer bouts demonstrates resilience, strategic adaptability, and strong cardiovascular conditioning. In Cerrone’s case, the diversity of fight durations within his record underscores his versatility as a competitor and his willingness to engage in various fight scenarios. This nuanced perspective on fight duration enhances the analysis of his overall career and provides a deeper appreciation for his fighting style and strategic approach. Further analysis correlating fight duration with opponent skill level and weight class could offer even richer insights into Cerrone’s adaptability and long-term career trajectory within the sport.
4. Weight Class Changes
Weight class changes represent a significant factor within Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts career, directly impacting his overall record and providing insights into his competitive strategy. Shifting between weight divisions introduces new challenges and opportunities, influencing matchups, fighting styles, and overall performance. Analyzing these transitions offers a crucial perspective on Cerrone’s adaptability, resilience, and long-term career trajectory.
Cerrone competed primarily at lightweight (155 lbs) for a substantial portion of his career, achieving notable victories and establishing himself as a contender. However, his ventures into welterweight (170 lbs) and even a brief stint at featherweight (145 lbs) demonstrate his willingness to test his abilities against different sized opponents. The transition to welterweight, for instance, resulted in matchups against larger, more powerful fighters, impacting his fight strategies and outcomes. While he secured victories against opponents like Rick Story and Mike Perry at welterweight, he also faced setbacks against heavier hitters like Jorge Masvidal and Darren Till. This shift in competition highlights the physical and strategic adjustments required when competing in a different weight class.
The practical significance of understanding weight class changes lies in its ability to provide a more nuanced perspective on a fighter’s overall record. Wins and losses carry different weight depending on the division in which they occur. A victory at a higher weight class, while potentially more challenging, may signify greater strength and adaptability. Conversely, a loss after moving up a weight class might be understandable given the increase in opponent size and power. Analyzing Cerrone’s record through the lens of weight class changes allows for a more informed assessment of his performance, recognizing the challenges and opportunities presented by competing across different divisions. This nuanced perspective ultimately contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of his career trajectory, competitive spirit, and adaptability as a mixed martial artist. It also underscores the importance of weight management and strategic decision-making in navigating the complexities of professional fighting.
5. Opponent rankings
Opponent rankings constitute a crucial element when analyzing Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts record, providing essential context for evaluating his performance and overall career trajectory. The caliber of competition faced significantly influences the perceived value of wins and losses. Victories against higher-ranked opponents hold greater weight, demonstrating a fighter’s ability to compete at elite levels. Conversely, losses to lower-ranked opponents can raise questions about consistency and potential vulnerabilities. Cerrone’s record reflects a consistent pursuit of challenging matchups, often facing top-ranked contenders and champions within various weight classes. For instance, his bouts against fighters like Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Justin Gaethje, all highly ranked at the time, demonstrate his willingness to test himself against the best in the sport. Conversely, some losses against less-heralded opponents highlight the inherent unpredictability of mixed martial arts and the potential for upsets, even against seemingly favorable matchups.
The practical significance of considering opponent rankings lies in providing a more nuanced understanding of a fighter’s competitive journey. Cerrone’s record, viewed through this lens, reflects a fighter who consistently sought to challenge himself, often prioritizing difficult matchups over easier paths to victory. This willingness to face elite competition provides a more accurate assessment of his skills and abilities, even in defeat. For example, while a loss to a top-ranked opponent adds to the loss column, it also demonstrates the fighter’s ambition and willingness to compete at the highest levels. This perspective deepens our understanding of Cerrone’s place within the sport’s competitive landscape. His numerous fights against top-tier opponents, regardless of outcome, underscore his contributions to the sport and solidify his legacy as a fighter who consistently sought to test himself against the best.
In summary, analyzing Cerrone’s record requires careful consideration of opponent rankings. This approach provides crucial context for evaluating his performance and appreciating his competitive spirit. The consistent presence of highly ranked opponents throughout his career underscores his dedication to challenging himself and solidifies his standing as a prominent figure within the sport. This analytical framework transcends simple win-loss ratios and provides a richer, more meaningful understanding of Cerrone’s impact on mixed martial arts.
6. Performance bonuses
Performance bonuses, awarded for exceptional displays of skill and excitement, constitute a significant component within Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts record. These accolades, including “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night,” provide valuable context beyond wins and losses, offering insight into a fighter’s fighting style, entertainment value, and overall contribution to the sport. Analyzing Cerrone’s record through the lens of performance bonuses reveals a consistent pattern of exciting, action-packed fights, solidifying his reputation as a fan favorite and highlighting his impact on the sport.
- Fight of the Night:
Cerrone’s numerous “Fight of the Night” awards underscore his propensity for engaging in thrilling, back-and-forth battles. These accolades often stem from bouts featuring high-octane striking exchanges, dramatic momentum shifts, and unwavering displays of heart. His bout against Robbie Lawler, a five-round war of attrition, serves as a prime example of a “Fight of the Night” performance, highlighting his durability and willingness to engage in a slugfest. These awards contribute significantly to his reputation as an entertainer and demonstrate his commitment to delivering exciting fights for the fans.
- Performance of the Night:
“Performance of the Night” bonuses recognize exceptional individual achievements within a single fight, often stemming from spectacular knockouts, dominant submissions, or displays of overwhelming skill. Cerrone’s head-kick knockout of Melvin Guillard exemplifies a “Performance of the Night” worthy finish, showcasing his striking prowess and ability to end fights decisively. These awards highlight specific moments of brilliance within his career and contribute to his legacy as a dynamic and dangerous fighter.
- Frequency and Consistency of Bonuses:
The frequency with which Cerrone has earned performance bonuses throughout his career underscores his consistent ability to deliver exciting and memorable fights. This pattern distinguishes him from fighters who may have occasional standout performances but lack the regularity of exciting bouts. The sheer volume of bonuses accumulated signifies a consistent commitment to entertaining the fans and leaving a lasting impression on the sport.
- Correlation with Fighting Style:
Cerrone’s aggressive, forward-pressing fighting style naturally lends itself to earning performance bonuses. His willingness to engage in striking exchanges and pursue finishes creates opportunities for highlight-reel moments and dramatic fight endings. This correlation between fighting style and bonus accumulation further reinforces his reputation as an action fighter and solidifies his place as a fan favorite.
The significant number of performance bonuses earned by Cerrone contributes substantially to his overall legacy within mixed martial arts. These accolades transcend simple wins and losses, providing a tangible measure of his entertainment value and impact on the sport. They underscore his consistent delivery of exciting fights, his aggressive fighting style, and his enduring popularity among fans. The accumulation of these bonuses solidifies his position as one of the most exciting fighters in the history of the sport, enriching his overall record and cementing his status as a true entertainer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donald Cerrone’s MMA Record
This section addresses common inquiries regarding Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts record, providing clarity and context for a deeper understanding of his career.
Question 1: How many total fights has Donald Cerrone had in his professional MMA career?
Cerrone’s professional MMA record includes a remarkable number of bouts, significantly more than the average fighter, reflecting his active fighting style and willingness to compete frequently.
Question 2: What is Donald Cerrone’s overall win-loss record in the UFC?
While Cerrone’s UFC record includes both wins and losses, it’s essential to consider the context of his opposition. He frequently fought top-ranked contenders, impacting his win-loss ratio.
Question 3: How many knockouts and submissions does Cerrone have in his career?
A breakdown of Cerrone’s finishes reveals his striking power and submission skills, offering insights into his fighting style and ability to secure decisive victories.
Question 4: Has Donald Cerrone competed in multiple weight classes? If so, which ones?
Cerrone has competed across multiple weight divisions, requiring adjustments in strategy and training. Examining his performance in different weight classes provides insights into his versatility and adaptability.
Question 5: Against whom has Cerrone recorded some of his most notable victories?
Analyzing Cerrone’s most significant wins, considering opponent rankings and the context of each fight, offers a deeper appreciation of his accomplishments and competitive journey.
Question 6: How many “Fight of the Night” or “Performance of the Night” bonuses has Cerrone received?
The number of performance bonuses Cerrone has accumulated reflects his exciting fighting style and consistent ability to deliver entertaining bouts, contributing significantly to his popularity among fans.
Reviewing these frequently asked questions provides a more comprehensive understanding of Cerrone’s career. Analyzing his record requires looking beyond simple wins and losses, considering context, opponent strength, and overall performance to fully appreciate his contributions to the sport.
Further exploration into specific aspects of Cerrone’s career and individual fight analyses will provide an even richer perspective on his legacy within mixed martial arts.
Conclusion
Donald Cerrone’s mixed martial arts record stands as a testament to longevity, an aggressive fighting style, and a consistent pursuit of exciting matchups. His numerous bouts across multiple weight classes, coupled with a high volume of finishes and performance bonuses, paint a portrait of a fighter who prioritized engagement and entertainment. While victories against notable opponents underscore his capabilities, losses against elite competition provide valuable context, highlighting the challenges inherent in consistently facing top-tier talent. The totality of his record reveals a complex narrative, one that transcends simple win-loss calculations and speaks to the broader impact of a fighter’s approach to competition.
Cerrone’s career serves as a valuable case study for analyzing the multifaceted nature of success within mixed martial arts. Fight records offer a wealth of information beyond mere numbers, requiring nuanced interpretation and consideration of various factors. An in-depth examination of wins, losses, finishes, fight duration, weight class changes, opponent rankings, and performance bonuses provides a richer understanding of a fighter’s journey, contributions, and ultimate legacy. Cerrone’s record encourages further exploration of the analytical tools available for evaluating fighters and prompts deeper reflection on the criteria used to define success within this demanding and ever-evolving sport.
