There is a poignant story about Donald Cerrone that is not widely known but should serve as the building block of his legend. In January 2011, his grandfather Dr. Donald Cerrone was battling cancer when he realized things were trending in the wrong direction. Make it to the UFC soon, he told the rambunctious grandson he’d always seen greatness in, the one who he helped raise. Cerrone instinctively understood what he was saying. Time was running short.
Literally in the midst of that conversation, Cowboy’s phone rang. On the other end, improbably, the UFC was offering him a chance to make his debut.