Donald Cerrone’s move up to welterweight proved to be a great move from the jump.
After failing to capture the UFC lightweight title in a first-round TKO loss to then-champion Rafael dos Anjos, Cerrone decided to make the move up to 170 pounds, and found instant success.
He dispatched of Alex Oliveira, Patrick Cote, and Rick Story, before heading into his highest-profile welterweight fight to date, a battle with fellow striker Matt Brown, at UFC 206.
Cerrone was looking for the high kick early, stumbling Brown on numerous occasions in Round 1. Both men stood toe-to-toe exchanging strikes, with Brown briefly dropping Cerrone in Round 2.
But Cerrone was finally able to find a home for his high kick, landing a flush left head kick in the third round, knocking Brown out.
That turned out to be the peak of Cerrone’s welterweight run. From there he went 2-4 in his next six, prompting Cerrone to drop back down to lightweight, where he was able to show excellent form last year against the likes of Alexander Hernandez and Al Iaquinta.
Now, Cerrone heads back to welterweight for the biggest fight of his career, as he’ll meet former UFC double-champ Conor McGregor in the UFC 246 main event. The event takes place Saturday, Jan. 18 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It will stream live on pay-per-view after prelims air on ESPN.
Relive Donald Cerrone’s head kick finish of Matt Brown from UFC 206 in the video above.
UFC 246 free fight: Relive Donald Cerrone's UFC 206 KO of Matt Brown