Net Worth Ranker
What Is Donald Cerrone’s Net Worth?
Donald Cerrone, a retired American mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $9 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a successful career in mixed martial arts, primarily within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), complemented by endorsements and other ventures.
Early Career and MMA Debut
Born on March 29, 1983, in Denver, Colorado, Donald Anthony Cerrone’s early life presented challenges, including a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. Sent to live with his paternal grandmother, Jerry Cerrone, at 16, he found stability and support. He attended Air Academy High School and initially pursued professional bull riding before transitioning to kickboxing at the age of 20. This transition eventually led him to mixed martial arts (MMA). His MMA career began at Freedom Fighters gym in Commerce City, Colorado.
Cerrone’s MMA debut took place in February 2006, where he secured a victory against Nate Mohr. Before his first defeat against Jamie Varner for the WEC Lightweight Championship in January 2009, he maintained a 9-0 record. This early success laid the groundwork for his future career.
UFC Career and Earnings
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone made his highly anticipated UFC debut in February 2011, marking a significant milestone in his career. His debut match against Paul Kelly was a memorable one, earning him the “Fight of the Night” award. This set the tone for his UFC tenure, known for its action-packed fights and numerous performance bonuses. Throughout his 11-year tenure with the UFC, Cerrone participated in 38 fights, earning him a reputation as one of the most active fighters in the organization. He competed in both the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions, achieving a ranking among the top five UFC lightweight fighters at times.
Throughout his UFC career, Cerrone secured multiple performance-based bonuses, showcasing his fighting prowess and entertainment value. He earned six “Fight of the Night” awards, recognizing the most exciting and competitive fights of the event. Additionally, he received three “Knockout of the Night” awards, highlighting his ability to deliver decisive and impactful strikes. Cerrone also secured seven “Performance of the Night” awards, recognizing his exceptional individual performances and finishes. Furthermore, he earned two “Submission of the Night” awards, showcasing his grappling skills and ability to secure submission victories.
One of the most significant paydays in Cerrone’s career occurred in January 2020 at UFC 246, where he was guaranteed a minimum of $2 million to fight Conor McGregor. Despite losing the bout via technical knockout in the first round, the guaranteed purse significantly boosted his career earnings. Over his UFC career, Donald Cerrone accumulated more than $6.8 million in earnings, reflecting his consistent activity and marketability within the organization. His consistent fight schedule, combined with his exciting fighting style, made him a popular draw for UFC events.
In June 2016, Cerrone achieved a significant milestone by defeating Patrick Cote, bringing his record to 30 wins and 7 losses. This victory further solidified his position as a top contender in the UFC welterweight division. Cerrone announced his retirement during the post-fight interview of his loss against Jim Miller at UFC 276. By the end of his MMA career, Cerrone had achieved a record of 36 wins, 17 losses, and two no contests.
Other Ventures and Personal Life
Cerrone’s ventures extend beyond the octagon. In 2014, he established the BMF Ranch on his property in Edgewood, New Mexico. This facility serves as an MMA gym to accommodate his training partners and reduce his training camp costs. The BMF Ranch is more than just a training facility; it’s a hub for MMA fighters, providing them with a supportive environment to hone their skills. It also serves as a revenue stream, as Cerrone rents out the facilities to other fighters and teams. In addition to its function as a training center, the BMF Ranch has also been featured in various media outlets, further increasing Cerrone’s profile.
Donald Cerrone and his wife, Lindsay, have three sons. His family life contributes to his public persona and has been featured in various interviews and media appearances. Donald Cerrone is friends with Rob McElhenney of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Cerrone appeared in season 12 in the episode “Wolf Cola: A Public Relations Nightmare” along with Paul Felder, Megan Olivi, and Dana White.
UFC Hall of Fame Induction
In July 2023, Donald Cerrone was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, a testament to his contributions to the sport of mixed martial arts. This honor recognizes his extensive career, his exciting fighting style, and his overall impact on the UFC and the broader MMA community. The induction into the Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award, celebrating Cerrone’s legacy and solidifying his place as one of the most memorable fighters in UFC history.
