Playtime's over! UFC 182 co-headliner Donald Cerrone 'going after that belt'

In the old days, Donald Cerrone would show up, kick some ass, collect his check, and go back to more important matters, like this.

Playtime's over.

After putting together a sensational five-fight winning streak -- with four finishes -- "Cowboy" realizes he has a chance to do something with his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, besides using it to bankroll his extracurricular activities.

Coach Greg Jackson talks to MMA Fighting:

"I've known him since he was a kid, since he came here eight, nine years ago. So I see a shift in him. And it's time. That's what I always say, Donald's turned his corner. His mentality is different. It's the first time I've ever heard him say, ‘I really want that belt. I'm going after this thing.' Like, I've never heard him say that. Usually it's like, ‘I don't care who I fight and what I do.' But I just see a focus shift in him."

He could be one win away from a shot at the lightweight title.

But that requires turning away undefeated prospect Myles Jury (15-0), who also has his eyes on the prize. "Fury" meets Cerrone (25-6) in the UFC 182 co-main event this Saturday night (Jan. 3, 2015) inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Can "Cowboy" get the job done and finally fight for the 155-pound title?