‘Cowboy’ Cerrone tired of waiting, considering fighting someone other than Anthony Pettis

2011 was a busy year for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight contender Donald Cerrone, who fought five times inside the Octagon, beginning with his promotional debut at UFC 126 on Feb. 5.

2012 on the other hand, was not as busy.

"Cowboy" has only competed twice this year, beginning in May, when he defeated Jeremy Stephens at UFC on Fuel TV: "Korean Zombie vs. Poirier" and most recently at UFC 150 this past August where he knocked out his friend and former training partner Melvin Guillard in the very first round.

It's not for a lack of opponents, either. It's just that Cerrone is (im)patiently awaiting one person in particular--former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) 155-pound champion, Anthony Pettis, whom, "Cowboy" has been involved in a war of words with over the past several months.

Due to Anthony's bum shoulder, the sure to be exciting scrap has been pushed back on several occasions. With news leaking this week Anthony was struck down with staph infection, Cerrone tells ESPN he has just about played enough of the waiting game.

"We were supposed to go in Denver, no. OK, we'll be ready in December. No, now we'll actually be ready in January. Now is it February, March? How long can you just (wait) -- I don't know. I understand the guy is hurt, but I got bills to pay, too."

Though Cerrone is obviously eager for a fight against "Showtime," he has just about played enough of the waiting game and is willing to fight next week if needed, though his management team and UFC matchmaker, Joe Silva, do not think it's a good idea.

The showdown between the two former WEC stars was set to be a number one contender's bout to see who would get next crack at the lightweight title and face the winner of UFC on Fox 5's main event between Ben Henderson and Nate Diaz. Taking a fight against another opponent and losing could be risky and potentially cost him his shot at gold.

"Joe (Silva's) attitude is, ‘Why would you want to go from the top of the division to fight somebody in the middle and potentially risk everything. My management team says the same thing, ‘You should want the belt.' I do want that belt. (The Pettis fight) is the No. 1 contendership. Of course it means something to me. That's the ultimate goal is to get that title. That makes sense. Does waiting on him make sense? I don't know. At this point, if they call me tomorrow and say, ‘We need you next week,' I'll be game. I don't know what the next step is."

How about it Maniacs, would it behoove Cerrone to wait it out a bit longer instead of taking another fight and avoid risking losing a number one contenders bout? Should Pettis be out longer than expected, who do you think will be a good matchup for "Cowboy?"

Opinions, please.