Donald Cerrone makes a comeback to competition four years after retiring from MMA, and he will do it against a familiar rival.
The former UFC title challenger stepped away from the sport following a submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276 in 2022. Less than a year later, Cerrone earned induction into the UFC Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most active and respected fighters in the promotion’s history.
Now, at 43 years old, Donald Cerrone makes a comeback as he prepares for a new challenge outside the Octagon.
According to an announcement from Real American Freestyle (RAF), Cerrone will face former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at RAF 15 on November 28 in Chicago. The event marks the RAF debut for both veterans.
The matchup reignites a rivalry that dates back more than a decade. Pettis defeated Cerrone in their first meeting in January 2013, scoring a first-round knockout during his rise to UFC gold. The pair met again at UFC 249 in 2020, where Pettis secured a unanimous decision victory.
While the upcoming contest will take place on the wrestling mats rather than inside a cage, it gives fans another chapter in one of the UFC’s most recognizable rivalries.
Cerrone has repeatedly hinted at a return to combat sports in recent years. Although he has not officially signed with the UFC for a comeback fight, competing under the RAF banner could serve as the first step toward a return to active competition.
Before retiring, Cerrone built a Hall of Fame résumé with notable wins over fighters such as Benson Henderson, Matt Brown, and Mike Perry. Despite ending his UFC career on a seven-fight winless streak, “Cowboy” remains one of the most beloved figures in MMA history.
Pettis has also been away from MMA competition for some time. The former UFC lightweight champion last fought in the PFL in 2022 before shifting his focus to boxing and Karate Combat appearances. In his most recent combat sports outing, Pettis earned a unanimous decision victory over Chris Avila in a boxing match.
For fans of both men, RAF 15 offers a chance to see two former UFC stars share the spotlight once again.
