Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, known for his dynamic presence in the UFC, has moved from the octagon to the open desert for off-road racing. In a revealing conversation on “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour,” Cerrone shared insights into his new adrenaline-fueled pursuit.
“To me, racing is as simple as fighting. In the UFC, I’ve always fought clean, no shortcuts, always on weight, no banned substances. It’s the same on the racetrack. I run hard, but I run fair. Out there in the open desert, it’s about respect, and I make sure of that by standing my ground,” Cerrone explained to host Kevin Harvick.
Cerrone, who recently wrapped up a storied UFC career with a 2023 Hall of Fame induction, recounted an intense moment during a race. “There’s this tactic called nerfing that’s used in racing to push a slower vehicle out of the way. During one race, a more powerful buggy kept hitting us and pulling over. At the finish line, I had to confront the driver. It turned out it was just a mechanical issue with his vehicle. It was the closest thing I’ve ever gotten to racing and fighting,” he said with a laugh.
The transition has been seamless for Cerrone, who has a UFC record of 36 wins, including 17 submissions and 10 KOs. His fighting spirit seems to translate well to racing, where strategy and stamina are key.
In addition to racing, Cerrone has also ventured into the world of NASCAR, symbolically merging his fighting and racing careers. He played a pivotal role during the 2023 NASCAR Awards by introducing Kurt Busch, a former Cup Series champion and someone Cerrone deeply respects for his on-track success.
Donald Cerrone’s journey from UFC to auto racing highlights his relentless pursuit of new challenges and adventures, reflecting a spirit that refuses to stop.
