Donald Cerrone: Khabib Nurmagomedov has withdrawn from three fights against me

Donald Cerrone (24-6 MMA, 11-3 UFC) says he really wants to fight fellow lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov (22-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC), but at this point, he’s not sure it’s meant to be.

According to “Cowboy,” he has signed a bout agreement to face the undefeated Dagestani on three separate occasions. The most recent of those targeted dates was September’s UFC 178 event in Las Vegas.

Even though Cerrone has apparently put pen to paper three times, he’s yet to step in the octagon against Nurmagomedov. He won’t take any of the blame for that, though, because he says it was “The Eagle” who withdrew from each scheduled contest.

“This is the third time him and I have signed to fight and the third time that he’s pulled out,” Cerrone told MMAjunkie. “I’m kind of bummed. I was really looking forward to that fight. But hey, what are you going to do?”

By no means is Cerrone implying Nurmagomedov doesn’t want to compete against him. He just thinks between timing, outside commitments, and injuries, the right circumstances haven’t come together for them to fight.

UFC 178 was the closest the matchup has ever come to reaching fruition. Both sides had inked a bout agreement, but, as UFC President Dana White tells it, Nurmagomedov suffered a fight-canceling knee injury in training just 20 minutes later.

“It’s bad luck,” Cerrone said. “(We were supposed to fight) earlier in the year. One was called off because of Ramadan or whatever he has to do for his religion. He didn’t want to take the fight because it would put him during that period. The time before that I don’t really remember the logistics of it. Now he’s injured.”

If Cerrone vs. Nurmagomedov did happen at UFC 178, the winner would have been right on the cusp of a title shot at 155 pounds. The opportunity to compete in such a high-profile bout might provide motivation to wait out Nurmagomedov’s injury, but the always-active Cerrone is eager to keep the ball rolling and reach his goal of six fights in 2014.

The 31-year-old has already registered three victories this year, all by stoppage, with the most recent coming against Jim Miller at UFC Fight Night 45 earlier this month. His four-fight winning streak overall under the UFC banner is tied for the third longest in the division, but Cerrone is not content with his accomplishments thus far.

Cerrone’s no-nonsense attitude has made him a beloved character to UFC fans. He’s made it very clear before, after and between every fight that he will step in the octagon against any opponent, any time at any weight.

While he is hopeful for another bout of significance in lieu of Nurmagomedov, Cerrone says he is extending an open challenge to anyone and everyone. All you have to do it call the UFC and say his name.

“I’m willing to fight anyone,” Cerrone said. “It’s super easy. Call Dana. I’m ready. All you’ve got to do is call the boss and tell him you want to fight.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.