UFC 246: Donald Cerrone Blasts Claim He’s Being Paid to Take a Dive Against Conor McGregor

Since it was announced that Donald Cerrone is going to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 246, January 18th,  some folks have opined the latter’s taking a warm-up fight. But, apparently, some observers have gone a step further and are theorizing that Cerrone’s been paid to take a dive…

Cerrone fires back at the idea he’d take a dive

After months and months of speculation as to who and when McGregor would fight next, not long ago it was confirmed he’ll battle Cerrone. Prior to the booking there was also talk that McGregor could end up fighting Justin Gaethje. Due to Gaethje’s comprehensive game, and because he’s coming off a quick win over Cerrone, a narrative formed the UFC and McGregor have gone with an easier fight for the star.

But, now it looks like some people believe that that steps could be taken to ensure McGregor wins on January 18th. The idea being that if McGregor wins, the UFC will have at least one more, massive fight to book in 2020.

Well, while speaking to MMA Fighting recently, Cerrone had this to say about the conspiracy theory:

“Hell no, I’m not bowing down,” Cerrone said. “There’s a bunch of sh*t going around, people keep telling me ‘I heard you’re getting paid to take a dive.’ There wouldn’t be enough money in the world for someone to pay me to take a dive. I could never look myself in the mirror if somebody paid me to take a dive. Sh*t, never happen.

“I’d rather fight for free than take money to f*cking lose. That’s not me. I’m going to fight my ass off like I do every time.”

It’s pretty, pretty hard to imagine Cerrone taking a dive. After all, we’re talking about one of the toughest, most experienced fighters on the UFC roster. While Cerrone has said he’s not going to make life-altering money at UFC 246, he’s still going to collect a nice check. Would he really be willing to risk his legacy by taking a dive? And having that possibly uncovered? It’s seems highly unlikely if not impossible.

Now, does this mean you can’t believe McGregor has agreed to a more friendly match-up in fighting Cerrone over Gaethje? No. No, it doesn’t.

Cerrone expects McGregor to be at his best

McGregor will be returning to the cage for the first time since last October, when he was submitted by lightweight champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Due to the well documented incidents McGregor’s had in the last year or so, and because he hasn’t won a fight now since 2016, some have questioned whether his best days are behind him. But, while discussing the upcoming fight, Cerrone said this:

“I expect the best Conor you guys have ever seen. I really do,” Cerrrone said. “He has so many doubters and questions that he needs to answer. I think he’s training extra hard, he’s coming and I think he’s going to be the best Conor you have ever seen.”

Ya. There’s no question there’s a lot riding on this fight for McGregor, as another loss would be a massive setback. So, Cerrone is wise to expect the “Notorious” one will be at his best.