Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis Set for Trilogy at RAF 15

Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis are set to throw down for a third time, although this time, it won't be under the MMA rules they are accustomed to. Instead, the former UFC stars will meet under wrestling rules at RAF 15.

The promotion announced the bout via Instagram earlier today, confirming that Cerrone and Pettis will once again share the competition floor. RAF 15 is scheduled to take place on November 28 at NOW Arena in Chicago, giving the two veterans another opportunity to settle their long-standing rivalry.

Donald Cerrone vs Anthony Pettis – History

The two men first met in MMA under the UFC banner at UFC on FOX 6 in 2013. On that occasion, Pettis produced one of the most memorable finishes of his career, stopping Cerrone in the opening round with a brutal body kick that instantly folded the Colorado native.

Pettis would go on to capture the UFC lightweight title in his very next fight, submitting Benson Henderson to become champion.

The pair would have to wait seven years for their second meeting, eventually sharing the Octagon at UFC 249 in 2020. By that point, both fighters were firmly in the latter stages of their UFC careers. Pettis once again emerged victorious, this time earning a unanimous decision.

Since their last encounter, Cerrone would compete just three more times, fighting Niko Price to a no-contest before suffering back-to-back defeats against Alex Morono and Jim Miller. He subsequently announced his retirement from MMA and has not competed in any form of combat sports since.

Pettis, meanwhile, has remained considerably more active. He has fought six more MMA bouts since UFC 249, including a stint in the PFL. The former UFC champion has also rematched Henderson in Karate Combat and made appearances in boxing.

Now, the rivalry takes another unexpected turn, with wrestling set to decide the latest chapter.

As of yet, no other fights for RAF 15 have been announced.