Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone seems to be getting better with age. The 36-year old turned back the clock on Saturday night when he defeated Al Iaquinta in the main event.  The official scorecard read 49-45, 49-45, and 49-46, all in favor of Cowboy.

The fight was a dominant display from Cerrone from start to finish. In classic Cerrone fashion, it took some time for him to find his groove. He began putting the pressure on after the second round. Cerrone’s game plan with leg kicks worked out well, as Iaquinta’s movement was compromised as the fight progressed. An accurate jab was able to put Iaquinta down for a brief moment in the third round. Also, a laser front kick would send Iaquinta to the mat in the fourth. The fight ended with Iaquinta on the ground as well, battered and bloody. Saturday night was the first time Iaquinta was knocked down in his career.

As much as it was a strong performance by Cerrone, Iaquinta equaled in heart. The New Yorker had his moments early on in the fight, but showed tremendous heart by sticking around to hear the final bell. He absorbed a variation of 138 significant strikes. At the end of the fight, Iaquinta had to be helped out of the octagon to his locker.

Iaquinta and Cowboy both took home an extra $50,000 for having fight of the night..

This was the second loss in three fights for Iaquinta, with both losses coming by unanimous decision. “Ragin’ Al” was in rough shape after the fight, so expect a long layoff for him. It shouldn’t be hard for Iaquinta to get back into title contention with a win in his next bout, but it is too early to say who it will be and when.

As for Cowboy, he is on a three-fight win streak and is looking stronger than ever. Saturday night’s performance showed why Cerrone is the all-time leader in UFC wins with 23. The always-dangerous Cowboy looks towards a title shot or a dance with lightweight superstar Conor McGregor next.

“I want the title, whatever that means,” said Cowboy post-fight. “Unless, Conor McGregor, you want to fight me in July. I’m ready.”

As lightweight title holder Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to unify his title with interim champion Dustin Poirier later this year, a bout with McGregor makes sense for both fighters to see who gets a title shot next.

Other notable performances on the card include a 50-second knockout from heavyweight Walt Harris, a split decision victory for Shane Burgos, and a TKO stoppage in round 2 for undefeated featherweight fighter Macy Chiasson.

Harris and Chiasson both received an extra $50,000 for their performances.

So what’s next? The UFC is back on Pay-Per-View next Saturday as Strawweight queen Rose Namajunas puts her title on the line in enemy territory against powerhouse Jessica Andrade in Brazil. Look for a preview in the coming week.