Cerrone Warns Pettis About Tsarukyan Ahead Of RAF 15

Donald Cerrone has withdrawn from his Real American Freestyle match with Anthony Pettis later this month, citing a family emergency, and the UFC Hall of Famer is not thrilled about who replaced him.

Arman Tsarukyan will step in to face Pettis at RAF 15, and Cerrone told BetOnline's The Fight Guys podcast that his two-time UFC rival should watch his back. The veteran lightweight pointed to Tsarukyan's history of post-match scuffles at RAF events, including incidents with Urijah Faber and Dillon Danis after submission wins this year.

Cerrone On Tsarukyan's RAF Conduct

Cerrone described Tsarukyan as someone who crosses lines in competition. He referenced the UFC lightweight throwing Faber off the stage after their bout and said similar behavior would not fly with him. The 41-year-old said he reached out to Pettis directly to caution him about what could unfold beyond the wrestling exchanges.

Cerrone told the podcast he still plans to compete at RAF in the near future. He lost to Pettis twice during their UFC careers, first in 2013 and again in 2017. Tsarukyan is reportedly next in line for a lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje, should the reigning champion decide to continue fighting. Cerrone said he might involve himself in that buildup given his friendship with Gaethje.

RAF 15 will mark Tsarukyan's third appearance for the promotion in its first year of operation. Pettis has not competed since his UFC departure in 2024.

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• BJPenn — Donald Cerrone roasts ‘f—— prick’ Arman Tsarukyan ahead of RAF match with two-time UFC foe