Coach: Cerrone is ‘ready to open up a can of whoop-ass’ on Anthony Pettis

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

“I believe you’re gonna see a fired up Cowboy ready to open up a can of whoop-ass, that’s for sure.”

Coronavirus isn’t going to stop Donald Cerrone from getting back to work and doing what he does best: kick ass.

That’s why ‘Cowboy’ didn’t hesitate to accept the call to fight Anthony Pettis at UFC 249, which has been rescheduled to take place on May 9 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida after multiple delays and pushbacks due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Cerrone’s coach, John Wood, said the UFC veteran is always game to fight and that he looks forward to avenging his 2013 KO loss to Pettis and opening up a can of ‘whoop-ass’ on May 9.

“He’s game, man,” Wood told MMA Fighting recently. “I don’t think there’s anyone more in the sport that’s ready to fight whenever you make the phone call. If you told him he had to drive out there tomorrow to do it, he would. He’s just that kind of guy.”

“From what I see, he’s pretty much the same. Whoever you put in there (with him) he’s ready to fight. I think anytime you lose to somebody, there’s always a little revenge factor going into it to try to get that back. That may be in the back of his head. I’m positive this fight’s going to go a little bit different.

“I know right now that he’s fired up coming off a couple of losses. He wants to get back there and in the winner’s and he’s definitely saying, doing the right things. I believe you’re gonna see a fired up Cowboy ready to open up a can of whoop-ass, that’s for sure.”

Wood, who heads Syndicate MMA, hinted that Cerrone may surprise Pettis with his wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on fight night.

“I don’t think it goes the distance and I think Donald gets his hand raised,” Wood said. “There’s multiple ways (Donald can win). A lot of people think of Cowboy just being this striking guy and his striking is amazing, but he is so slick on the ground. His wrestling is good, his grappling is sick, his submissions are slick. He can win it anywhere: a dogfight, going the distance.

“I don’t see this going the full three rounds and I definitely see Donald winning it.”

Despite being on a three fight skid, Cerrone is still ranked #6 in the UFC lightweight rankings. The 37-year-old holds previous wins over the likes of Al Iaquinta and Mike Perry and has only ever lost to the divisional elite.

UFC 249, which will feature Cerrone vs. Pettis on the preliminary card, takes place on May 9 in Jacksonville, Florida.