UFC on Fuel 3 Results: 5 Fights for Donald Cerrone to Take Next

It’s important that we find an opponent for Donald Cerrone quickly. In all honesty, when you consider the fact that Cerrone has fought six times for the UFC in the last 15 months, there is a decent chance that Cowboy has already signed a contract for his next fight.

All jokes aside, Cerrone is a workhorse who is coming off a one-sided beatdown of slugger Jeremy Stephens. Last night was the 14th UFC fight for Stephens, and while he has seen his fair share of defeats, no one has ever manhandled him in the manner that we just witnessed.

Cerrone is back on track to make a break for the top. Here is a look at five possible opponents for his next fight.

Anthony Pettis

Cowboy Cerrone absolutely dominated Jeremy Stephens  in such a decisive way that we have to wonder why Anthony Pettis barely squeaked out with a split-decision win.

Pettis is a top contender in the lightweight division and you had better believe that the Cowboy is gunning for his spot. Each man can be electric on his feet, but Cerrone holds a definitive grappling advantage.

This fight screams Fight of the Night and features two very technically sound warriors who are still rebounding from disappointing losses.

Winner of Gray Maynard vs. Clay Guida

We have seen a lot out of Donald Cerrone. We have witnessed his domination of BJJ prodigies and his massacre of devastating kick-boxers. Additionally, he has beaten dangerous unknowns and talented contenders alike. However, we haven’t seen him tested in the Octagon by a high-level wrestler. 

Whoever wins next month between Gray Maynard and Clay Guida is sitting pretty in the top five, and is exactly the kind of fighter that Cowboy should be lobbying to face. If Cerrone can pass that test, he would be only one fight away from a shot at gold.

Nate Diaz

Before you say it, I am aware that Dana White announced that Nate Diaz has earned a title shot. However, Cerrone wants this fight, and I'm certainly not going to be the one who has to tell that guy that he can't have what he wants.

The younger Diaz brother gave Cerrone the kind of beating that shames you. Thinking about that, I wonder: Was Cerrone’s December performance against Nate Diaz just a fluke, or is Nate Diaz just that good?

In any event, Cerrone has Diaz on the brain and would love an opportunity to avenge his only UFC loss. Be careful what you wish for Cowboy, because Nate is the kind of fighter who takes it personally when you call him out. After the beating you took in your first meeting, is that really someone you want to piss off?

Rafael dos Anjos

It is startling how little notice people give Rafael dos Anjos. His last four fights tell an incredible story, but you’ve got to look closely.

A 40-second submission of Kamal Shalorus is even more impressive when you note that a massive head kick led to the choke. A one-minute KO of lightweight contender George Sotiropoulos is the only decisive loss in the Aussie’s career.

His recent losses are a razor-thin decision to Gleison Tibau and a loss to Clay Guida due to jaw injury. For those of you who watched that fight, you’d notice that dos Anjos had a lot of control over Guida for much of the contest and several sources had him winning the decision.

Dos Anjos earned a big step up in competition last night and Cerrone certainly isn't one to turn down a fight.

Gilbert Melendez

In four days, the hunt for a new opponent for Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will begin all over again. Why not start early and save yourselves some trouble?

Cerrone definitely has some history with the Cesar Gracie camp after his bloody battle with Nate Diaz. A shot at Strikeforce gold would be great for Cerrone’s career, and simultaneously give Gilbert Melendez the credible challenger that he has been begging for.