Donald Cerrone admits Khabib Nurmagomedov’s antics have had an impact on him ahead of their UFC 187 clash in May.

Nurmagomedov (22-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) has been a frequent thorn in Cerrone’s (27-6 MMA, 14-3 UFC) side over the past few months. He consistently mentions “Cowboy” on Twitter, from comments about his work ethic to labeling him a “mental midget.”

Cerrone paints himself as an easygoing character, but in this case, he said Nurmagomedov has managed to capture his attention. That may not be a good thing for the Dagestan native, because Cerrone said it’s only motivated him to perform better.

“I will give Khabib everything I’ve got, I promise that,” Cerrone said today at a UFC 185 fan Q&A in Dallas. “I will leave nothing in the fu-king cage. The (Benson) Henderson fight, I left a lot out there. … He’s really getting under my skin. He’s doing a good job of talking sh-t on Twitter and trying to get under me, and it’s working. So, I’m stalking that up and I’m going to come fu-king unglued.”

Cerrone and Nurmagomedov will have the opportunity to settle their differences on May 23 at UFC 187, which takes place at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. The lightweight bout airs on the pay-per-view portion of the card following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Cerrone will enter the contest on a seven-fight winning streak at 155 pounds, the longest active streak in the weight class. Nurmagomedov has won six fights in a row under the UFC banner, the second longest active run in the division.

Nurmagomedov’s run of success stretches long past his UFC career, though. “The Eagle” owns a perfect record with 22 consecutive victories. His dominance has come mostly through his elite grappling and top control, an aspect of the sport Cerrone has struggled with against him in the past – but hopes he won’t for this fight.

“Him coming at me, hopefully I negate the takedown,” Cerrone said. I’ve been really working on my wrestling and maybe I’ll take his ass down. … (I’ve wrestled) zero bears. I have zero bears. Not even a little cub. I think I’m a fu-king grizzly bear myself, so he’s going to have one hell of a fight.”

With UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis set to put his title on the line against Rafael dos Anjos on Saturday at UFC 185, the division is in need of a No. 1 contender to challenge the winner. Cerrone vs. Nurmagomedov will likely determine the next candidate, which means high stakes when they step in the octagon.

Cerrone has made no secret that he feels every bit of pressure that comes along with competing at the UFC level. That pressure will be at a peak for the bout with Nurmagomedov. Whether that pressure gets to Cerrone remains to be seen, but with a potential title shot on the line, he believes he’ll overcome any doubt and emerge with the victory.

“There’s nothing secret I’m going to do,” Cerrone said. “I fight the same (every time). I’m going to come out slow and I’m going to fu-king kick ass.”

For more on UFC 187, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.