UFC's Cowboy Cerrone Shares His Top 5 Finishes

UFC’s winningest competitor might seem like he’s straight out of an old-school Western—but he’s not just a lone gunman fighting for himself. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone has an important reminder of what matters most in his corner.

“Probably my favorite memory [of my time in the UFC] would be my last fight on the 25th anniversary, setting the record for the most wins in UFC history, bringing my boy into the cage to share the moment with me,” Cerrone told Men’s Health. “That had to be the highest of highs I’ve ever felt.”

After Cerrone finished Mike Perry in the first round via armbar last November, he established a new mark for all other UFC fighters to aspire: 21 wins, with 15 “finishes”—fights ended by knockout or submission (his full 34-11 record includes bouts from his early career outside of the UFC promotion). That’s not to say the 35-year-old is done racking up stats, either; Cerrone is slated to take on Alexander Hernandez at UFC Fight Night: 143 in Brooklyn on January 19, where he will look to add to his total.

Before the fight, Cerrone sat down with us to share 5 of his favorite finishes. Look to see them on Saturday, since the all-time leader in wins is far from done. “I want people to know that when Cowboy fights, he’s fighting every time, he’s bringing everything with him.”

Getty ImagesJosh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

• 1. Triangle Choke

Cerrone’s long legs—which he uses to lock around opponents’ necks—make this jiu-jitsu move even more effective.

This display of bridled fury takes place on the mat, after Cerrone takes an opponent down and passes their guard. “You just unleash hell—elbows and punches and just controlling them, really dictating the pace of the fight.”

This finisher is all about having powerful legs, but you probably won’t get a clean shot at it without throwing your hands, too. “Usually I set it up off a right cross,” says Cerrone. “Cross the body, shoot the head kick up high, typically there’s no finish after.”

This finisher is actually a counter. Cerrone uses the momentum of an aggressive opponent looking for a takedown to make his knee even more effective.

Cerrone’s final favorite finisher is all about dominance. Once he can establish his position and take control of his opponent’s back, the Cowboy looks to end the fight with this choke.

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