OTTAWA – Donald Cerrone plans to be the fighting champion he thinks the UFC lightweight division needs if he’s able to accomplish his recently set goal of winning the title.

After going most of his career without much worry of claiming a belt, Cerrone (35-11 MMA, 22-8 UFC) has changed his tune in recent months. He wants the 155-pound belt around his waist before all is said and done, and he knows Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 9 main event with Al Iaquinta (14-4-1 MMA, 9-3 UFC) is a crucial part of that process.

“There’s so many years I used to stand here and everyone asked me about the title and I’m like, ‘I don’t even care about it,'” Cerrone said at UFC on ESPN+ 9 open workouts. “I don’t know why I just love fighting so much it never meant anything to me. I’ve set records and I’m here to get the (expletive) belt. That’s my mission now.”

UFC on ESPN+ 9 takes place at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Cerrone vs. Iaquinta headlines the card, which streams on ESPN+ 9.

“Cowboy” enters the matchup with Iaquinta as the record-holder in essentially every key UFC category. He owns the most wins (22), finishes (16) and post-fight bonuses (16) in octagon history, and while all those figures hold a special place in his heart, he said winning a UFC belt would prove particularly meaningful.

And like others who have won belts in the past, Cerrone has no intention of resting on his accomplishments if he’s successful. He’s been the most active UFC fighter over the past five years, and said that wouldn’t change if he had a piece of gold.

“We talk about (the division) being stacked, but we’re in such a weird, stale position,” Cerrone said. “But when I get the belt, ’55ers be ready to fight because I’m fighting so often. I can’t wait.”

Cerrone will take a positive step forward if he can beat Iaquinta at UFC on ESPN+ 9. There are likely a few people in line ahead of him to challenge for the belt, but another win will only help him.

“My 41st Zuffa appearance,” Cerrone said. “I plan to blow the roof off this place Saturday night. I’m pumped.”

For more on UFC on ESPN+ 9, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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