UFC lightweight contender Donald Cerrone is relatively close to earning his first title shot with the promotion, but does he actually want it?
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Cerrone is scheduled to face Eddie Alvarez at UFC 178 on Sept. 27. He is riding a four-fight win streak, all of which came by submission or knockout.
A win over Alvarez would likely make him the number-one contender in the 155-pound division, but with current champion Anthony Pettis set to make his first title defense against Gilbert Melendez on Dec. 6, Cerrone might not want to wait for his shot at the winner.
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"If I beat Eddie Alvarez, do I get a No. 1 contender spot? More than likely," Cerrone told ESPN.com. "Especially if I finish Eddie, the UFC is probably going to give me a title shot. Now, Pettis and Melendez don't fight until December -- which means they won't be ready to defend their belt until March or April. That is a long time away for a guy like me. I don't like to sit and wait, so what's probably going to happen is I'll take my No. 1 contender spot and throw it in to the air and take another fight. Is this a No. 1 contender fight? Yes. Will I wait for a title shot if I win? Probably not."
That type of thinking is extremely rare in the sport of mixed martial arts. But "Cowboy" has always been known for his desire to fight as many times as possible with short breaks in between each fight. At 31 years old he is in the prime of his career, so Cerrone isn't focused on getting the championship anytime soon.
"I feel like I'm at a high place in my career and it feels good but I'm not really concerned about that," Cerrone said. "I wish I could explain how I feel but I just don't give a s---. That is honestly my overall opinion. I'm excited to go in and fight. Other than that, thinking about my future, none of that matters to me. What I've got going on at the ranch, building my new gym, wakeboarding - that's what matters to me. Fighting is just something I do and enjoy."
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