Why Donald Cerrone gave up a sure UFC title shot
Unfortunately Nurmagomedov was injured and forced off the card, but Cerrone chose to stay and fight new opponent John Makdessi, potentially risking a future title shot.
Donald Cerrone was originally scheduled to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 187 with the winner earning a UFC lightweight title shot. Unfortunately Nurmagomedov was injured and forced off the card, but Cerrone chose to stay and fight new opponent John Makdessi, potentially risking a future title shot. He explained to Fox Sports:
“Let’s just talk about the money, part,” he begins.
“I’ve already spent $20,000 on this camp, so far. I put a lot of money into building this gym at my ranch and I’ve brought in coaches and training partners to live with me. I think I’ve had about 18 guys here on the ranch with me. We’ve done almost an entire training camp, I’ve had these guys living with me, they’ve put in a lot. What am I going to tell them, ‘ok guys, that’s it, see you next time’? I wasn’t going to do it.
“I just look at it like my job. You’re doing this interview because it’s your job, right? I signed a contract to fight at UFC 187, so I’m going to fight at UFC 187, whoever it is against. It’s the same thing.”