We're nearly two months removed from the UFC's "GO BIG" event, but Donald Cerrone hasn't forgotten about his ol' buddy Conor McGregor.
In Orlando promoting his upcoming bout with lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos Dec. 19 at UFC on FOX 17, Cerrone couldn't help but steer the conversation back to McGregor.
Asked about his face off with Dos Anjos at the "GO BIG" event, Cerrone said it was actually McGregor who got under his skin.
"That was 'McNugget' trying to talk to me," Cerrrone told the Orlando Sentinel. "When we stood face-to-face prior to that? He had nothing to say. I felt like I was an exhibit at the zoo and the cage was put up so he could poke the bear through the cage. When he was standing next to the bear he didn't have anything to say. That's what it felt like. I would have mauled his ass back there."
Complimented for his ability to fight so regularly, Cerrone says he's just trying to keep up with McGregor.
"I don't understand why these guys pull out of fights," said Cerrone. "Don't want to take fights. Only fight once a year. Maybe they're making a lot more [than I am]. Maybe they're making 'McGregor money.' That's what I need to get. Funny thing is, once you're making McGregor money, seven million, I would still fight six times a year. Now I'm making six times ... that's just a mathematical equation that I want my right pocket as big as my left pocket."
Following the interview, Cerrone took another dig at McGregor when he sarcastically called himself "a stick in the mud" talking about a possible move to welterweight. McGregor used the same phrase referring to Cerrone at the event in September.
"I tried to go to 170 [pounds]," Cerrone told fans on his Periscope. "[UFC president] Dana White and [UFC CEO] Lorenzo Fertitta, they tell me I'm staying at 155. I've tried to go up and take fights at 170. Not happening.
"I thought I'm at 'stick in the mud' at 155? I hate being a stick in the mud so who knows?"
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Traitors. After being called a traitor by Conor McGregor, UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw says the Irishman "is an even bigger traitor to his country."
He gone. Chael Sonnen stands by retirement and says, "I won't be back" after his suspension with the NAC is up.
SAKU. Dave Meltzer explains how, long after his prime, Kazushi Sakuraba is in the position to save Japanese MMA.
'He can talk all he wants.' Joseph Duffy believes Conor McGregor will go down "just as quickly" in a rematch in the UFC.
More Mayhem. Jason Miller has once again been arrested, now for alleged assault of a police officer.
MEDIA STEW
Nick Newell retires after his win at WSOF 24.
Highlights from Legacy 47.
New training montage of Fedor Emelianenko.
Fighters get Zombified for new movie.
Norman Parke has some major jailhouse trash talk for Reza Madadi.
Sage Northcutt teaching his flip to the Tristar crew.
Long watches.
KNUCKLE UP #344: The RONDA Rondele, Team Alpha sleight of hand + how good lies can make reality
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Michael "VENOM" Page - Hands Down - PART 1/2 | London Real
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[OFFICIAL] Polaris Pro 1 - Full Replay FREE [HD]
TWEETS
Congrats on the career.
Hey everybody pulled out the W. Wasn't pretty but I did it. MMA has taken me to such great heights but I'm calling it a career #Thankyou
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) October 18, 2015
13-1..... Wasn't pretty but I got it done. Very very tough training for this fight & my last few... https://t.co/AtBvbNeKCW
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) October 18, 2015
Cuts.
Just got news from the @ufc I will be released just want to thank my friends family fans @danawhite and everyone... http://t.co/agrotQ2Z2C
— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) October 16, 2015
Got my pink slip today, I was a pleasure working for @UFC, don't worry I'll be back!!!
— Marcus Brimage (@Brim205) October 17, 2015
Apparently I just got released from @ufc. It was my goal to compete there and I did it!
— Chris Clements (@menaceclements) October 17, 2015
I would like to thx @ufc @danawhite and Joe Silva for the opportunity to fulfill a dream. It's not goodby....just I'll see u later!#God1st
— Roger Narvaez (@Silverback316) October 16, 2015
Beef.
Just one more reason why I enjoyed throwing this dude on his head and strangling him. #Classless #NoSportsmanship
Posted by Mike "Maverick" Chiesa on Sunday, October 18, 2015
Who's writing those terrible jokes for u? Stick w/breaking down fights & telling ur guys their opponents have "barbie hands" @JohnnyEduardoN
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) October 18, 2015
Hey @Cruickshank155 what are you doing January 17th? Wanna fight and make some money? Could be a scrap that #boston fans would love!
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) October 18, 2015
@felderpaul I like the sound of this. Let me get the ok from my management @AngerMMA and @ufc
— Daron Cruickshank (@Cruickshank155) October 18, 2015
@Cruickshank155 @AngerMMA @ufc it is meant with noting but respect. We have the style to put on a SHOW!
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) October 18, 2015
@felderpaul @AngerMMA @ufc There doesn't need to be any disrespect between us to make a great fight. Let's do it.
— Daron Cruickshank (@Cruickshank155) October 18, 2015
Are we not fighters or alpha males? Are you not man enough to accept a challenge? Every time I've been asked to fight someone I've said ok let's do it without a doubt.
If he feels her is the number one contender then prove it to all of us!
I'd have even more respect if they could say Yes or No...
Impressive.
All the call outs.
Here's a funny cartoon drawn by a very funny person. It demonstrates the spate of recent call outs.... https://t.co/qVypYzKNhI
— michael (@bisping) October 19, 2015
Giving back.
Upcoming appearances in aid of the homeless crisis in Ireland. Tonight I will be in The Foundry in Waterford....
Posted by Conor McGregor on Friday, October 16, 2015
Get well soon.
Right after stitch job. 5 stitches from doc Toby. pic.twitter.com/fprQAK6QTi
— Jon Fitch (@jonfitchdotnet) October 18, 2015
My first day touching a bag/Shadowboxing in 7 months! Feels good #shouldersurgery #RoadToRecovery #ufc pic.twitter.com/UD7Sr5TA4h
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) October 18, 2015
Fun.
Very funny pic.twitter.com/eG3kvGZ79X
— Sage Northcutt (@sagenorthcutt) October 18, 2015
Had to! This is unreal. Love ur dress @danawhite next time we go trick-or-treating you should wear... https://t.co/mGapY1uX4C
— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) October 17, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced this weekend (Oct. 16-18 2015)
Jim Hettes vs. Charles Rosa at UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz
Jason High vs. Estevan Payan at WSOF 25
Luis Palomino vs. Richard Patishnock at WSOF 25
Brian Foster vs. Joao Zeferino at WSOF 25
Brian Cobb vs. Mike Ricci at WSOF 25
Islam Mamedov vs. Jorge Patino at WSOF 25
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today's Fanpost of the Day comes via bindog.
I figured I would post this 7 part Documentary that followed the Iowa Wrestling team from the start of the season to the "Toughest Tournamement in the Land" which took place in Albany,NY. This was the year Iowa Featured Freshman Phenom Heavyweight Steve Mocco who explains why he loves wrestling......"Wrestling is a good sport because you can break someone's Will, break their spirit, and change them for the rest of their life...I love it"
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Check out the rest of the post here.
Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.