UFC 137 Results: Donald Cerrone Proves Dominance by Destroying Dennis Siver

Any questions that remained about Donald Cerrone's ability should have been answered by his destruction of Dennis Siver at UFC 137. It was Cowboy's sixth straight win and should open up bigger opportunities for the rising lightweight star.

Two of Cerrone's three losses came against Ben Henderson, with the other being to Jamie Varner. He later got revenge for the Varner loss. Beating Siver should give him a chance to accumulate some high-profile wins, if he can maintain his current roll.

He's been fighting a very aggressive schedule to remain relevant in what's becoming a flooded field of contenders in the division. The win on Saturday was his fourth of 2011 and sixth in the last 13 months.

That type of durability is a major advantage if he can maintain it. The more often you can step inside the octagon, the more often you are banking a paycheck and building your brand. And if the growing sport of MMA, building your brand is the most important factor.

Cerrone's dominant performance will open some eyes and should land him a marquee undercard fight in January if he maintains his current pace.

Perhaps Cowboy's most important trait is his versatility. He's won each of his last three rights in a different manner (submission, TKO and unanimous decision) and has really worked on his power game after being considered a one-trick pony (submission) during the early portion of his career.

That type of wide-ranging skill which is necessary to hold a UFC title. While Saturday's win might not be enough to give him a shot at Frankie Edgar right away, it certainly puts him on the radar.

After two first-round victories in a row, Cerrone is clearly one of the fastest rising fighters in the lightweight division. And if he continues to improve his attacking approach, it wouldn't be surprising to see him win the belt.