Grudge match brings out best in Donald Cerrone

By Brett Okamoto

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 | 12:10 a.m.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Jamie Varner had expected to face Donald Cerrone in the co-main event of Thursday’s WEC 51 card at the 1st Bank Center.

What he got was something else.

In one of the biggest grudge matches of the year, Cerrone (12-3) delivered arguably the best performance of his career, dominating Varner (16-4-1) through three rounds for a unanimous decision win.

As the two opponents paced around the cage waiting for the official decision from the judges, Varner felt compelled to lean toward his rival and ask him something.

“He said to me, ‘Who was that guy?’” Cerrone said.

Considering Cerrone’s track record, it’s no wonder Varner didn’t recognize him.

Notorious for starting slow and coming up short in high-pressure fights, Cerrone did neither against Varner in a bout he described as "bigger than a title fight."

When asked what was behind his strong performance, Cerrone pointed to one factor more than anything — his pure hatred for his opponent.

“Just the sheer hatred for the guy drove me to do it,” Cerrone said. “I let my emotions take over. I was teary eyed, standing there looking at my corner before the fight. I was ready to cry.”

If there’s a way Cerrone can somehow feel hatred for all his future opponents, there may be hope for him to claim a 155-pound title yet.

The 27-year-old has already fought for the belt three times, falling short in each fight.

Although fourth title shots in mixed martial arts, especially in the same weight division, are a rarity, Cerrone’s performance over Varner on such a big stage might be the first step in warranting the opportunity.

“Yes, it’s to get over that hurdle,” Cerrone said. “When it counts, can Cowboy do it? Tonight I did it.”

As easy as it would be to chalk up Cerrone’s effort to emotion, a big part of his success against Varner was due to his visible improvement in one aspect of the game.

While the highlights will likely show Cerrone going after Varner on his feet, the biggest moments of the fight came in the clinch, an area many believed he would struggle in.

When in trouble, Varner usually looked to get low and look for the takedown.

Cerrone credited much of the win to his ability to stay on his feet in those situations and even take Varner down at certain points in the fight when he was looking to change momentum.

“I do owe a lot of credit to wrestling,” Cerrone said. “Wrestle, wrestle, wrestle. That was my mindset. Wrestling allows you to control the pace of the fight. As much as I hate wrestling, it dictates where the fight goes.”

Whether Cerrone is able to replicate that kind of performance against a fighter he doesn’t have a personal grudge against is yet to be seen.

If not, perhaps the best thing for Cerrone would be a third bout against Varner. If Thursday showed anything, it’s that Varner certainly brings out the best in the Cowboy.

“As a fighter, I have nothing to take away from (Varner),” Cerrone said. “But at the end of the fight, he tried to hug me and I said, ‘Get away from me.’ I still don’t like the guy. The beef isn’t squashed.”

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at LVSunFighting