UFC veteran Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone has been angling for a fight with Conor McGregor, and although the Irish superstar appeared interested in such a bout, that showdown won't be happening. At least, not until after Cowboy takes on Al Iaquinta.
According to ESPN's Brett Okamoto, Cerrone and Iaquinta have verbally agreed to fight as the main event of UFC Fight Night: Ottawa on May 4.
The 35-year old Cerrone (35-11-1) has won his last two fights, including a first round submission victory against Mike Perry back in November, and a second-round TKO win against Alexander Hernandez on January 19.
"I just think it's a great fight," Iaquinta told ESPN. "I've been watching Cowboy since his WEC days. I like these fights, fighting guys I came up watching and always wondering how I would do against them, thinking I could beat them. I have a lot of respect for Cowboy.
"There are a lot of big fights coming up in this division. Anybody could get a big win and see their stock skyrocket."
Iaquinta (14-4-1) most recently defeated Kevin Lee by unanimous in December. The 31-year old Lightweight has won six of his last seven bouts, with the only defeat coming at the hands of undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 last April.
According to ESPN, other matches on the UFC Fight Night: Ottawa card include Derek Brunson vs Elias Theodorou and heavyweights Arjan Bhullar vs Juan Adams.