The Cowboy wanted to make sure he had a ride to the UFC, so Donald Cerrone submitted Chris Horodecki in the 2nd round of their bout at the last ever WEC show to ensure his next fight would be in the Octagon.
His last fight out was an emotional test as Cerrone gunned for revenge against old foe Jamie Varner, so he had to be careful not to have a let down on Thursday night when he faced off against Horodecki in Phoenix.
Cerrone paid credit to his coach Greg Jackson for giving him the right words and motivation to make sure he didn’t have a let down when making his last appearance in the WEC.
“Thanks to Greg Jackson. He always pushes us, gives us words of wisdom to keep us motivated, so I owe it all to Greg Jackson,” Cerrone said after the fight.
Known as a notoriously slow starter in past fights, Cerrone came out gunning early but had to be careful with a fellow striker in Chris Horodecki. A few exchanges seemed to be going Horodecki’s way early, but it didn’t last long as the fight changed in the 2nd round.
Donald Cerrone and Chris Horodecki - WEC 53
Between rounds, trainer Shawn Tompkins instructed Horodecki to look for the takedown, but it backfired almost immediately. Just as Horodecki got the fight to the ground, Cerrone looked first for a omo plata, and then a triangle choke
Horodecki battled valiantly to try to slip out of Cerrone’s signature submission, but it was only a matter of time before he was forced to tap out. The win gives Cerrone a new career in the UFC, and apparently the chance to settle a rivalry over three years in the making.
“Cole Miller,” Cerrone responded when asked who he wanted to fight next. “He beat a good friend of mine, Leonard Garcia, and before I was anything I told him I’m coming for you Cole, and Cole, I’m coming for you.”
Miller is currently slated to face Matt Wiman at the UFC Fight for the Troops show on Jan 22, but a showdown with Cerrone could be a barnburner for the future.
As for Horodecki, he’s always been an extremely talented fighter, but at 2-2 during his WEC career, it’s an uncertain future if he’ll make it to the UFC.
