UFC Vegas 11: Cerrone vs Price Preview

Donald Cerrone Looking to Snap a 4 Fight Losing Streak

After a string of tough losses, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (36-15 1NC) is looking to turn the tide. Across the Octagon on September 19th will be 30-year-old prospect Niko “The Hybrid” Price (14-4 1NC). Both of the fighters are coming off losses ahead of their upcoming main card bout, and today we discuss the matchup. As well as breakdown their recent performances and changes in both fighters’ lives.

Will the birth of Riot River Cerrone lead to a reinvigorated Cowboy Cerrone?

Born on September 10th of 2020, Donald Cerrone and his family welcomed the birth of his second son, Riot River Cerrone. Intriguingly, after the birth of his first child, Cowboy would go on to submit Mike Perry. Officially becoming the UFC’s all-time leader in wins and finishes.

The submission victory would spark the embers of a wildfire in Cowboy Cerrone as he blazed his way to a 3 fight winning streak. Cowboy would scorch his way through an at the time surging contender in Alexander Hernandez, who had a lot to say before their bout:

“…For me, standing across from Cowboy, I’m looking through the fighter. I’m looking at the man. I think the persona and everything is a big distraction. I just see myself facing an insecure little lad, swinging on a pop gun with a feather in his hat.”

Cowboy would make short work of Hernandez with a TKO via head kick and punches in the second round that vehemently said Donald Cerrone was to be NO gatekeeper that night. After a massive win over Hernandez, Cowboy battled his way to a unanimous decision over the always tough, Al Iaquinta.

The beginning of the 4 fight skid for Donald Cerrone

Sadly, some streaks shall end. Next, Cowboy would be fighting Tony Ferguson. In a shocking turn of events, Cowboy would blow his compromised nose mid-fight. Something that can cause a fighter’s eye to start to swell shut. Unfortunately, this happened to Donald Cerrone. Prompting the doctor to stop the fight and starting the 4 fight losing streak that Cowboy is currently on today. Donald Cerrone would go on to suffer back to back knockouts against Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor. Anthony Pettis would win over him by decision in a fight that was “close,” according to Pettis in his Octagon interview after the win.

“The Hybrid” Niko Price

30-year-old Niko Price is a dangerous finisher from Cape Coral, Florida. Out of his 14 victories in the Octagon, only 1 fight has ever seen a decision. “The Hybrid” has alternated wins and losses since joining the UFC roster with wins over names such as Rudy Brown, James Vick, and Tim Means.

Vicente Luque was victorious over Price via TKO in their last outing. This was the second time the two had met in the cage and it would prove to be the second time Luque would finish Price. Hopeful to win on September 19th, one thing’s for certain. Don’t expect this one to make it to a decision.

Matchup and Odds.

As the younger fighter with a penchant for the first-round finish, Niko Price is likely to close as the favorite. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone might not be a bad bet as the underdog; in his 36 wins, 27 have come via finish. Cowboy’s also faced a much higher level in competition, something that could give him an edge over Price. Will the grizzled vet get it done September 19th, or will Niko Price defeat the legend to force his way up the ladder?

Historically we’ve seen that Donald Cerrone can take time to get his rhythm during fights. If Niko applies pressure early the way Conor or Gaethje did we could possibly see a finish in round one. Both fighters have multiple wins by submission and it will be interesting to see how much grappling comes into play during this matchup. In any event, it’s sure to be a hell of a fight; thank you for your time and as always, enjoy the fights!

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