Donald Cerrone parts ways with striking coach Brandon Gibson

Former UFC lightweight title contender Donald Cerrone decided to change things up in 2016 when he moved up 15 pounds to welterweight. Around that time, he also welcomed striking coach Brandon Gibson into his corner.

“Cowboy” did look promising at 170 pounds, winning his first four fights, three of which earned Performance of the Night bonuses. That streak ended when he fought Jorge Masvidal in early 2017, and has since gone 1-3 in his last four outings.

After his most recent loss to Leon Edwards in Singapore this past June, Cerrone apparently decided to make some changes once again. As confirmed in a report by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Cowboy recently parted ways with Gibson.

When Donald Cerrone fights Mike Perry on Nov. 10 he won’t have one of the most respected coaches in MMA in his corner. Following Cerrone’s unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards last month, he parted ways with striking coach Brandon Gibson, ESPN recently confirmed with Gibson. Gibson described the parting ways as mutual. “I wish ‘Cowboy’ and his team all the best moving forward,” he said. “I think a new look and direction will be good for him.”

Gibson has been in Cerrone’s corner for nine straight fights, dating back to when Cerrone beat Alex Oliveira in February 2016. Cerrone will continue to have Greg Jackson in his corner from the JacksonWink camp.

The 35-year-old Cerrone currently holds a record of 33-11 (with 1 NC and 25 wins by stoppage). His appearance against Perry will be at UFC Fight Night: Denver on November 10th, and is expected to be headlined by featherweights Frankie Edgar and Chan Sung Jung.