Anthony Pettis cut down Donald Cerrone in Chicago. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
1. Anthony Pettis vs. Donald Cerrone
UFC on Fox 6 “Johnson vs. Dodson”
Jan. 26, 2013 | Chicago
When the UFC announced the battle between Pettis and Cerrone, the MMA world exploded with approval and anticipation. The matchup was undeniably terrific on paper, and many pundits labeled it an early frontrunner for “Fight of the Year.” The bout did not last long enough to meet those lofty expectations, but Pettis made certain it was memorable.
Cerrone stalked the agile Roufusport cornerstone from the start and tried to lure him into a brawl. Pettis remained elusive, countered “Cowboy” and refused to let the fight get out of control. He landed a left kick to the ribs and forced Cerrone to back off, obviously shaken by the impact. Pettis continued to attack the body and eventually netted the desired result. Cerrone circled back and to his left, where he was met with a crippling kick to the liver. “Cowboy” collapsed on his gloves and knees, the will to fight sucked out of him in an instant. Pettis jumped with follow-up punches, but Cerrone was already finished. It was the first knockout loss of his career.