UFC 141 Results: 3 Questions We Have About Donald Cerrone

2011 didn't end the way UFC lightweight Donald Cerrone would have liked it.

After going 4-0 in his first year with the UFC, Cerrone suffered a tough, decision loss to Nate Diaz at last night's UFC 141.  

Despite taking Fight of the Night, Cerrone was outmatched by Diaz's throughout most the fight, specifically the first and last rounds.  

After the loss, here are three questions we still have about "The Cowboy."

What Does He Need to Improve On?

It was clear last night that Diaz was the better boxer.

Consistently landing punches with both hands, Cerrone's head snapped back on a myriad of occasions.  Diaz out-struck Cerrone 258-66 according to CompuStrike.

Cerrone found some success with his kicks, but Diaz's boxing was too much.  If "the Cowboy" can tighten up his punches then that little tweak might make him the most fear striker in the division. 

Is He Still a Legitimate Contender?

Losing to Diaz was a tough pill to swallow, especially because of all the trash talking between them.  What's worse for Cerrone's career is that his latest defeat came to a top level lightweight.

Despite the loss, Cerrone is very much still a legitimate contender.  Having beaten guys like Dennis SIver, Chales Oliveira and Jamie Varner, Cerrone is certainly not a scrub.

But in order to get into title contention, Cerrone will have to string together a few big wins before getting a shot at the belt.

What's Next?

There are plenty of opponents in the lightweight division to keep Cerrone busy going into 2012.

"The Cowboy" should face a fellow top-level 155'er, preferably one coming off a loss.  A good match up for him would be Clay Guida, who's coming off a loss to Benson Henderson.

Another good opponent would be Gray Maynard, who's coming off his second failed attempt at dethroning champion Frankie Edgar.

A few wins over names like these and Cerrone will catapult his name into MMA stardom.