Jorge Masvidal stuns Donald Cerrone with second-round TKO
DENVER – Jorge Masvidal has been driven to wear a UFC title belt around his waist for several years. But at 32, he’s never been more determined than now.
Take it from Masvidal, he doesn’t have any time to waste. He wants a title ASAP. And Saturday night he took the biggest step toward realizing his goal with a second-round TKO of Donald Cerrone.
The fight did not last long, but Masvidal and Cerrone gave fans reason to cheer. The fighters stood toe-to-toe throughout most of the opening round, though Cerrone attempted to take Masvidal to the ground. Cerrone maintained control early on his feet with punches and solid kicks.
Masvidal (32-11) was unfazed. He stood his ground, remained patient and continued looking for the opening that would allow him to land that big bout-ending blow. For a majority of the first, it appeared that power shot would never be made available by Cerrone, the Denver native who fell to 32-8, one no-contest.
Then, with less than a minute remaining, Masvidal delivered several punches that stunned and eventually dropped Cerrone. As referee Herb Dean appeared ready to jump in and stop the assault, the horn sounded.
Cerrone remained dazed as he returned to his corner and by the start of the second round had not fully recovered. Cerrone’s wobbly condition did not go unnoticed by Masvidal.
He jumped on Cerrone immediately, landing punches in bunches, and Cerrone could no longer effectively defend himself. The horn couldn’t save him again. Dean ended the fight at the one-minute mark.
