Is it possible for a fighter to return from a dark period of performance enhancement and still thrive?
Jim Miller isn’t thrilled about Donald Cerrone’s comeback plan, after the latter revealed his intentions to fight once more. Cerrone, who originally retired in 2022 following a submission by Miller, now seeks to re-enter the octagon. He admitted to using steroids during his absence from competition. This has stirred up controversy within the MMA community and beyond.
“Cowboy’s” path back to the cage hasn’t been smooth sailing. In an interview with Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com, Miller expressed his reservations about Cerrone’s comeback plan. “I have a tough time telling other grown men what to do,” Miller told MMA Fighting. “I don’t really believe in it. But the fact that he was very, very open with his use of performance enhancers and the way the majority of his last fights went. He got knocked out quite a few times and that’s not healing from going on a little [testosterone replacement therapy] or whatever. I’m not super into it.”
Miller isn’t advocating for Cerrone’s return but won’t be the one to stop him if he chooses this path. “It’s not my call,” Miller said. “It’s up to him and his team and if they want him to get punched in the head again, do your thing. I’m not a very big fan of the whole steroid vacation thing. What are we doing?”
Cerrone’s return will be met with varying opinions within the MMA community. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has expressed concern over Cerrone possibly exploiting the “loophole” by using PEDs and then cycling off before fighting again.
The question remains: can a fighter successfully navigate a controversial comeback from performance enhancement, even if they seek to do so in other organizations?