Originally due to face Khabib Nurmagomedov, Donald Cerrone instead took on Canadian striking specialist John Makdessi in the UFC 187 main card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cerrone obviously came into this one as a huge favorite having won his last 7.
Cerrone tagged Makdessi with a left high kick and then another one. Makdessi caught one kick and countered with a straight right. It was an all-striking round with Cerrone having the upper hand with his range, height advantage, and powerful kicks. Makdessi had bits of success but was otherwise outclassed.
Round 2 was a continuation of round 1 as Cerrone upped his volume and started battering Makdessi all over the place with elbows, knees, and punches as John offered little firepower in return.