Donald Cerrone sparring with Anthony Pettis isn't really something we thought we'd see.
After all, Pettis (18-4) defeated Cerrone (29-7-1) back at UFC on FOX 6 via first-round liver kick and has even gone as far as saying he doesn't respect the Colorado native as a person. So you can imagine how interesting a training session would be between the two seasoned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight contenders.
However, it makes sense that "Showtime" and "Cowboy" would openly put their past in the past and move forward as cordial partners in crime. Since losing back-to-back fights to current UFC Lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos and top contender Eddie Avarez, Pettis is at a point in his career when he needs to absorb as much knowledge from the sport as possible, especially on the doorstep of challenging Brazilian Edson Barboza at UFC 197 on April 23.
"We spoke about it before, but it was more like crossing paths at a fight, nothing official," said Pettis in the above interview with Ron Kruck of Inside MMA. "This one was more like come out I'll help you, you help me. Here, I have the wrestling, I have jiu-jitsu, and I have so many different ideas and mindsets. This is where I can bring my game to the next level."
But just because the two veterans are currently friends outside of the cage, doesn't mean they wouldn't lock horns again.
"If it came down to it and the money was right, yeah me and Cowboy would throw down again," added Pettis. "We've talked about it multiple times. This is his gym, I'm a visitor here. But I definitely love the welcoming and the open arms they're giving me."
Cerrone, who was also defeated by RDA back at UFC on FOX 17, will challenge Patrick Cote in his second Welterweight bout as the co-main event for UFC Fight Night 89 on June 18 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, but stated that Pettis will not mirror "The Predator" in training.
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