Donald Cerrone’s Next Fight Could be Against One of Lightweight’s Best Prospects

The last time we saw Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone he was on the receiving end of a rising star’s best performance. The 34-year-old, Cowboy now looks to slow things down a bit in regards to his fight frequency and plans for a return to his old home of the Lightweight division. But awaiting him may be a very hungry challenger by the name of Mairbek Taisumov, as there have been several reports surrounding the fight as well as claims from Taisumov himself.

UPDATE (pertaining to the rumors of Cerrone vs. Taisumov): I'm told that the bout at UFC 221 in Perth HAS been offered to the two fighters by the UFC. Taisumov's camp says he has signed the agreement and they are just waiting on Cowboy. #UFC

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) December 4, 2017

@Cowboycerrone hope you're ready for a new challenge! Let's make it happen, I'm waiting for a call 💯 @ufc @UFCEurope @danawhite @seanshelby #UFC221 #Taisumov #Berkut #LetsDoThis #ReadyForEveryone pic.twitter.com/CHuZP9pdO3

— Mairbek Taisumov (@Taisumov155) December 6, 2017

According to Ariel Helwani, this is all smoke, no fire.

Not even offered, I’m told. https://t.co/V7fyYRfyHJ

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 6, 2017

Taisumov is one of the scariest prospects at 155 lbs and he continues to show it every time he steps into the cage. He holds a record of 27 victories and five defeats and is currently riding a 5 fight win streak that consists exclusively of devastating knockouts. As a matter of fact, Taisumov has proven to be one of Lightweight’s most exciting fighters throughout his entire career as he’s only won via decision once in his twenty-seven victories.

Everyone knows the type of game fighter that Cowboy Cerrone is, so a fight between the two would be sure-fire entertainment as well as a great gauge to see just where Taisumov stands in the division. His toughest opponent to date would have to be Michel Prazeres who defeated Taisumov back in 2014. Prazeres is no slouch himself though and should be looking at a big fight of his own anytime now.

As reported, this fight is being rumored for UFC 221 which takes place in Perth, Australia on the eleventh of February. The card is yet to have a full line up announced along with who will be featured in it’s main event. Since the event was announced, it’s been expected for Interim UFC Middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker to defend his title in that slot.

UFC 221 currently features a Flyweight bout between Jussier Formiga and Ben Nguyen as well as a Light Heavyweight scrap between Tyson Pedro and Saparbek Safarov

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 12/6/2017