UFC Hall of Famer Donald Cerrone Returns to Combat Sports After Four-Year Retirement

Donald Cerrone, a UFC Hall of Famer, will compete in combat sports again for the first time since his retirement bout at UFC 276.

Cerrone retired from the UFC after a submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276. Four years later, he is stepping back into competition against a well-known opponent.

Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, less than a year after his final UFC fight, Cerrone achieved significant wins during his career against fighters like Mike Perry, Matt Brown, and Benson Henderson.

Now 43, Cerrone has frequently hinted at a potential MMA comeback. However, he has not yet committed to a return to the UFC.

His initial step back into fighting will be on the Real American Freestyle wrestling mats.

Donald Cerrone Set to Face Two-Time UFC Opponent in Real American Freestyle Debut

Real American Freestyle announced on Wednesday that Cerrone will face fellow two-time UFC competitor Anthony Pettis at RAF 15 on November 28th in Chicago. The full fight card will be released in the coming weeks.

Pettis is making his RAF debut; his last professional contest was a boxing loss to Chris Avila in July 2024. The former UFC lightweight champion's last MMA appearance was a loss to Stevie Ray during the 2022 PFL tournament.

This marks the third encounter between Cerrone and Pettis. Pettis secured a knockout victory in their first fight in January 2013, and later won a unanimous decision in their rematch at UFC 249.

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English Translation:

UFC Hall of Famer Donald Cerrone will compete in combat sports again for the first time since his retirement bout at UFC 276.

After a notable career in the UFC Octagon, Donald Cerrone decided to retire following a submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276. Four years after stepping away, Cerrone is set to return to fighting against a familiar name.

Cerrone was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, less than a year after his final fight in the Octagon. Throughout his career, the former UFC title challenger secured victories over opponents including Mike Perry, Matt Brown, and Benson Henderson.

Now 43 years old, Cerrone has repeatedly mentioned a possible return to Mixed Martial Arts in recent years. However, as of now, he has not officially signed any contract for a return to the UFC.

In the meantime, Cerrone will take his first step towards a potential return to competition on the Real American Freestyle wrestling mats.

Donald Cerrone Set to Face Two-Time UFC Opponent in Real American Freestyle Debut

As announced by RAF on Wednesday, Cerrone will face two-time UFC rival Anthony Pettis at RAF 15 on November 28th in Chicago. The remainder of the card is expected to be finalized and announced shortly.

Pettis will be making his RAF debut, more than two years since his last boxing match, a loss to Chris Avila in July 2024. The former UFC lightweight champion has not competed in MMA since a loss to Stevie Ray during the 2022 PFL lightweight tournament.

This will be the third time Cerrone and Pettis have faced each other in their respective careers. Pettis knocked Cerrone out in their first fight in January 2013, and defeated Cerrone by unanimous decision in their UFC 249 rematch.