Donald Cerrone, known as “Cowboy,” stands as one of the most active and respected fighters in UFC history.
With 38 UFC fights across 11 years, he built a reputation for taking on any opponent at any time. His fighting spirit and cowboy persona made him a fan favorite who turned cage wars into financial success.
In this article, you will know Donald Cerrone’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Donald Cerrone’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donald Anthony Cerrone |
| Date of Birth | March 29, 1983 |
| Age | 42 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 154-170 lbs (70-77 kg) |
| Education | Air Academy High School, Colorado |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | $9 million |
| Career Earnings | $7.2+ million |
| Wife | Lindsay Sheffield |
| @cowboycerrone |
Early Career
Donald Anthony Cerrone grew up in Denver, Colorado, as a troubled kid who frequently got into street fights and spent nights in jail. His parents eventually sent him to live with his paternal grandmother Jerry Cerrone when he turned sixteen, which changed his life trajectory.
He attended Air Academy High School in Colorado, where he started professional bull riding and earned his famous “Cowboy” nickname.
At twenty years old, a friend suggested he try kickboxing, which opened a new world for him. Cerrone took to combat sports naturally and began training in Muay Thai.
He dominated the Muay Thai circuit with an impressive 28-0-1 record, scoring nineteen wins by TKO. He won the Dominion Warrior Muay Thai World Lightweight Championship in 2006, proving he had championship-level skills.
Professional Career
Cerrone started his MMA journey fighting for smaller organizations before joining World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), where he built his reputation as a fearless competitor under Greg Jackson’s coaching.
When WEC merged with UFC in 2011, Cerrone brought his warrior mentality to the biggest stage in MMA. He became famous for fighting multiple times per year, often accepting fights on short notice against top-ranked opponents.
Cerrone made history on November 10, 2018, when he surpassed Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping for most wins in UFC history with 21 victories. He also broke records held by Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort for most finishes in UFC history with 15.
His fighting style combined elite Muay Thai striking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions, and solid wrestling, making him dangerous anywhere the fight went.
Cerrone holds the record for most post-fight bonuses in UFC history with 18 awards for Fight of the Night, Performance of the Night, and Knockout of the Night.
Wife
Donald Cerrone’s wife is Lindsay Sheffield, a former model and nurse who works with the Lovelace Health System. The couple started dating and got engaged before welcoming their first child together.
Lindsay gave birth to their son Dacson Danger Cerrone on June 29, 2018, giving him the middle name “Danger” to match his father’s fearless reputation. Sources indicate they married in 2014 and have built a family life together at their BMF Ranch in Edgewood, New Mexico.
Lindsay often appears cageside during Cerrone’s fights, supporting him throughout his fighting career. Some sources mention they have two children together, though details about a second child remain limited.
Donald Cerrone’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Donald Cerrone’s net worth stands at $9 million, accumulated through UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and business ventures.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Date | Result | Base Pay | Win Bonus | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conor McGregor | Jan 18, 2020 | Loss | $200,000 | $0 | $1,800,000 (PPV/bonuses) | $2,000,000 |
| Alex Morono | May 8, 2021 | Loss | $200,000 | $0 | $21,000 | $221,000 |
| Robbie Lawler | Jul 29, 2017 | Loss | $200,000 | $0 | $20,000 | $220,000 |
| Al Iaquinta | May 4, 2019 | Win | $200,000 | $200,000 | $10,000 | $410,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $2,000,000+ |
| 2021 | $221,000 |
| 2019 | $600,000+ |
| 2018-2017 | $500,000+ |
| 2016-2014 | $400,000+ per year |
| 2013-2011 | $200,000+ per year |
| Total UFC Career | $7,291,200+ |
Endorsements
Cerrone built relationships with major brands throughout his fighting career, earning additional income beyond fight purses. He partnered with TapouT, one of the most recognizable brands in combat sports, wearing their gear throughout his UFC run.
Monster Energy became another significant sponsor, providing him with consistent endorsement money and brand visibility. He also worked with Modelo Especial beer, Budweiser, Revgear (professional training equipment), and Black Buffalo (tobacco alternatives).
Transcend Company represents another brand partnership in his endorsement portfolio.
Career Stats
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 55 |
| Wins | 36 |
| Losses | 17 |
| No Contests | 2 |
| Wins by Knockout | 10 |
| Wins by Submission | 17 |
| Wins by Decision | 9 |
| Losses by Knockout | 8 |
| Losses by Submission | 2 |
| Losses by Decision | 7 |
| UFC Wins Record | 23 (former record holder) |
| UFC Finishes | 16 |
| Post-Fight Bonuses | 18 (UFC record) |
| Significant Strikes Landed | 1,500+ |
| Strikes Landed per Minute | 4.41 |
| Striking Accuracy | 46% |
| Takedown Accuracy | 33% |
| Takedown Defense | 73% |
| Muay Thai Record | 28-0-1 |
| Kickboxing Wins | 28 (19 by knockout) |
FAQs
1. What does Donald Cerrone do now after retirement?
Cerrone runs his BMF Ranch in Edgewood, New Mexico, where he trains fighters and outdoor enthusiasts in combat sports and survival skills. He spends time with his family, enjoys bull riding, and maintains his cowboy lifestyle on the ranch.
2. How much money did Cerrone make fighting Conor McGregor?
Cerrone earned $2 million for fighting Conor McGregor at UFC 246 in January 2020, though his base pay showed only $200,000 on official documents. He received no win bonus since he lost by knockout in 40 seconds, and he later revealed he earned zero PPV points despite the fight generating massive revenue.
3. Why is Donald Cerrone called Cowboy?
He earned the nickname “Cowboy” during high school at Air Academy in Colorado when he started professional bull riding. His cowboy hat, attitude, and genuine Western lifestyle made the nickname stick throughout his fighting career.
4. What is Cerrone’s biggest UFC accomplishment?
Cerrone holds the UFC record for most post-fight bonuses with 18 awards, showing consistent exciting performances throughout his career. He surpassed Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping for most wins in UFC history with 21 victories in November 2018.
5. Who has beaten Donald Cerrone in the UFC?
Conor McGregor knocked him out in 40 seconds at UFC 246, marking one of his most devastating losses. Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson, and Rafael dos Anjos all stopped him with strikes in brutal fashion during his career.
