• UFC 137

'Ridiculous' Cerrone is a future champion - Rashad

ESPN staff
November 2, 2011
Rashad Evans talks to ESPN

Rashad Evans is convinced Donald Cerrone is destined to win a UFC title after making "ridiculous" progress in the sport.

Evans knows Cerrone well after their time at Greg Jackson's gym, where Cowboy continues to mould his improving skill set. Victory over Dennis Siver was Cerrone's sixth in a row, setting up a future clash with Nate Diaz.

Those who witnessed that Siver win at UFC 137 will have seen a vicious striking game allied to a clinical submissions arsenal, a combination that has brought Cerrone the Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night or Submission of the Night in four of his last six outings.

Evans clearly watches his former team-mate with a lot of pride, and he believes his work ethic will see him go on to own Frankie Edgar's lightweight title in the future.

"I definitely think Cerrone can win the title. I love to watch the way he's grown in the sport," Evans told ESPN.

"I remember when he first came to Jackson's gym, he had virtually no wrestling at all - zero wrestling. And his ground was so-so. He was all stand-up. He was one of Duane Ludwig's protégés.

"To watch his growth is ridiculous. I sit and watch how good he's got and I get chills. He used to come to the gym and he'd live in that gym. He'd practice all day long. He'd practice, eat, take a nap, then practice some more.

"Donald's a leader too. He's got his guys, but he's the leader. The work he puts in is paying off."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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