The best and worst from UFC 246: McGregor vs. Cowboy

#1 Worst: Cerrone disappoints – and may be near the end

After this loss, Donald Cerrone might not have many big fights left in him

While ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith’s statement that he was “disgusted” by Donald Cerrone’s performance is taking things way too far – I don’t feel it’s fair for any non-fighter to make that kind of criticism – it’s definitely true that ‘Cowboy’ didn’t look at his best last night. Cerrone’s struggled in high-pressure situations before, but he’s never folded quite like he did against McGregor – who used one of his own favoured weapons, the left high kick, against him.

So what happened? Well, you’ve got to credit McGregor hugely for a fantastic performance, but the truth is that Cerrone was on a two-fight losing streak coming into the bout and had last been seen getting knocked unconscious at the hands of Justin Gaethje. He’s still a tremendously dangerous fighter, but after 34 fights inside the UFC, it’s clear that his strengths and weaknesses have been laid bare, and it’s also a fair statement that he might be nearing the end of his storied career.

At 36, there aren’t many older fighters than Cerrone still having success in the lighter weight categories, and none of them have had as many fights – and taken as much punishment – inside the UFC as ‘Cowboy’ has. I hate to say this as he’s been one of the best fighters to watch in UFC history, but don’t be surprised if this loss to ‘The Notorious One’ turns out to be a watershed moment in his career – the beginning of the end.