When top-ranked Lightweight title contender, Khabib Nurmagomedov, was forced to withdraw from a showdown against Donald Cerrone tonight (Sat., May 23, 2015) at UFC 187, John Makdessi was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become an overnight threat.

Despite his best effort, though, “Cowboy” was just too much for “The Bull” to wrangle.

Cerrone set the tone early, landing a solid leg kick to his much shorter opponent … and he kept ’em coming. Corrine landed a head kick, then a right cross, which appeared to immediately turn Makdessi’s right eye red. Makdessi landed a nice left hook to the belly in response, but it was clear that he was going to have a hard time getting in anything good.

Makdessi landed a spinning kick to the belly, but Cerrone countered with a stiff jab that made him wipe his wounded eye.

To start round two, Makdessi came out kicking, but Cerrone fired back with more of his own. And then a knee right in the face, which stopped Makdessi dead in his tracks. Makdessi landed a nice left hook, his best punch of the match, but Cerrone did not appear to be affected whatsoever.

Makdessi landed another left hook moments later, which appeared to be the only thing working in his favor. In fact, it appeared to puzzle Cerrone briefly, before he began to open up with a creative attack that included knees and sneaky elbows.

Cerrone landed a vicious head kick, and Makdessi — oddly — called time out. Upon further review, it was revealed that Makdessi suffered a broken jaw in the exchange.

OUCH.

For complete results from UFC 187: “Johnson vs. Cormier,” including play-by-play updates, click here.

Source: MMA Mania