Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone to retire after two more fights

Donald Cerrone was supposed to help kick off the  UFC 274 pay-per-view with a fan-friendly matchup against fellow action fighter Joe Lauzon.

Instead, a last-minute illness, which was attributed to food poisoning, forced “Cowboy” to withdraw from the event just hours before he was scheduled to compete. It was a devastating blow for Cerrone, who has typically been on of the promotion’s most active fighters and was looking forward to fighting in front of his son. Cerrone commented on the situation via Instagram on Sunday.

“My heart is broken and torn,” Cerrone said. “I can’t believe I had to make that call. If you know me, you know I only pulled out because I had to. Thank you for the UFC and the medical division for helping me as far as we could, try and make that buzzer, but we just couldn’t get it.”

The 39-year-old Cerrone is in the midst of a six-bout winless streak in UFC competition, and the finish line is in sight for the BMF Ranch founder. Currently among the all-time leaders in appearances, victories, finishes and bonuses, Cerrone would like to achieve one more milestone before he calls it quits.

“I have 48 fights under Zuffa,” Cerrone said. “I am saddened that I couldn’t have my 49th, put on a show for you all. My number is 50, gentlemen. I’ll retire when I get 50. So I got two more fights left in the UFC. So thank you, Dana White. Thank you, Joe Lauzon. Thank you for understanding and not taking that fight with an ill, sick ‘Cowboy.’ I wouldn’t want to fight that guy. You want a strong, healthy motherf—. So, we’ll meet again.

“Like I said, ‘Cowboy’s’ got two more fights under Zuffa. I want 50 fights and then I’m bowing out, and I’m out of here, boys. I’ll be back stronger than ever and ready to take on the world.”