WATCH: Donald Cerrone tears up as San Antonio fans give standing ovation on Hall-of-fame announcement

UFC announces Donald Cerrone's induction into the Hall of Fame, Class of 2023. Cerrone says, "I'm blown away."

WATCH: Donald Cerrone tears up as San Antonio fans give standing ovation on Hall-of-fame announcement

UFC to induct Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone into Hall of Fame 2023 ( Image Source - Jeff Bottari/Getty Images

Fan favorite and well-accomplished fighter Donald Cerrone has been officially inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame | Class of 2023. It is a significant recognition for a fighter in the sport of mixed martial arts and Cerrone deserves every single bit of it.

Cerrone began fighting professionally in 2006 and debuted in the UFC in February 2011 where he submitted Paul Kelly in two rounds. People quickly became fans of his thrilling fighting style, willingness to face any challenger, cowboy hat, and gentle likable demeanor outside of the cage. Cerrone competed in the WEC for three years before the organization merged with the UFC. Donald said, “I mean you know throughout the years, everyone talks about oh he’s a future Hall of Famer but that’s just talk. Like you don’t actually know…yeah it’s wild I’m so grateful man it’s unbelievable.”

YouTube video

Over the years, Cerrone has racked up a record 36-17-0 ( 2 No Contests ). He competed in multiple weight classes, from the lightweight to the welterweight divisions. ‘Cowboy’ holds the record for most post-fight bonuses in UFC history, with 18 awards including three knockouts of the night, two submissions of the night, six-fight of the night, and seven performance of the night awards.

FS Video

This is what UFC veteran Daniel Cormier had to say about the to-be Hall of Famer – “When the book is written and you’re a coach and you’re saying I want to teach you how to finish fights you pull back the old tape with Donald Cerrone. He just knows how to end fights and end fights violently.”

Cerrone was present with his son at the UFC San Antonio event when the news of his induction was announced. Apparently, he was surprised by the news. “I’m blown away”, he says. His induction will happen on the sixth of July at the UFC International Fight Week to be held in Las Vegas.

Related: “Like Tony and Khabib”- Dana White compares Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon, ruling out the possibility of setting them up again

Fans express their appreciation on social media for Donald Cerrone’s HOF induction

Donald Cerrone surprised with induction announcement in UFC
Donald Cerrone was surprised by the induction announcement in UFC San Antonio ( Image source – Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images )

Fans are thrilled with the news of “Cowboy” Cerrone’s induction into the HoF. They express their excitement all over Twitter. With his fearless attitude and record-breaking performances, Cerrone has become a beloved figure in the sport of mixed martial arts. Take a look at what some of his fans had to say about the Donald Cerrone Hall of Fame announcement.

As he joins the ranks of UFC’s greatest, we congratulate “Cowboy” Cerrone for this well-deserved honor. Thank you Donald Cerrone for the incredible memories and for inspiring future generations of aspiring fighters.

In case you missed it:

“All the killers are coming after you,” Dana White calls out Leon Edwards for shutting down Colby Covington title shot

Georges St-Pierre Net Worth 2023, UFC Salary and Endorsements