Donald Cerrone and Conor McGregor will kick off the 2020 UFC pay-per-view schedule Jan. 18 when they headline UFC 246 in Las Vegas. The fight serves as McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the octagon after 14 months, while Cerrone receives the biggest opportunity of his nearly 14-year career. As part of an occasional series ahead of the matchup, let’s flash back to a memorable Cerrone interview in which he broke down the anxiety and nerves he feels ahead of his fights.

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Donald Cerrone has always been a motivated competitor.

However, forty-something fights into his professional career “Cowboy” found a new driving force. In 2018, Cerrone became a father to his son Danger. Three fights later at UFC on ESPN+ 9 in May 2019, Cerrone and his son shared a special moment inside the cage in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

A slight underdog entering his five-round main event against Al Iaquinta, the former UFC lightweight title contender Cerrone put on a striking clinic. For much of the 25 minutes, Cerrone picked Iaquinta apart.

The performance was enough to earn “Cowboy” a unanimous decision nod from the judges, as well as a post-fight interview while holding his son. In his opening question, UFC interviewer Michael Bisping noted the special moment, to which Cerrone responded.

“More importantly, how badass is this poncho this boy is wearing?” Cerrone asked. “Not bad for a ‘Day-drinking Don,’ huh? Damn. I guess I’m doing it for all the old people out there, man. There’s still a chance.”

The win over Iaquinta was Cerrone’s third straight since becoming a father. Written off by some prior to the streak, Cerrone made it clear he was making a title push. But there was one option away from the title picture Cerrone saw as a viable option.

“I’m coming, man. I guess the ‘Dad Cerrone’ is 3-0 now. I’m on a new mission. I’ve got to build this boy a swimming pool.

“I want the title. Whatever that means, man. Unless Conor McGregor, you want to fight me in July. I’m ready. Fourth of July, let’s do it.”

The bout isn’t taking place Fourth of July, but there’ll likely be fireworks when Cerrone and McGregor step into the cage on Jan. 18. UFC 246 takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card streams on pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.

Also see:

• UFC 246 Fighter Flashback: Conor McGregor introduces ‘red panty night’ into MMA lexicon
• UFC 246 Fighter Flashback: Conor McGregor’s bold message after first Cage Warriors win
• UFC 246 Fighter Flashback: Conor McGregor arrives in Brazil, rips up Jose Aldo poster in Rio bar
• UFC 246 Fighter Flashback: Donald Cerrone on his ‘scariest, most intense, fun’ pre-fight nerves