Donald Cerrone looking to fight Demian Maia or Robbie Lawler after beating Masvidal

2016 was a phenomenal year for Donald Cerrone, but ‘Cowboy’ wants to take things to the next level in 2017.

The fan favorite amassed a four-fight win streak and reinvented himself as a welterweight, and is looking for a crack at the title in the coming months.

Cerrone, who knocked out Matt Brown with a vicious head kick at UFC 206, will collide with the No. 12 ranked Jorge Masvidal next Sunday and is hoping a win will cement a number one contender’s bout against Demian Maia or Robbie Lawler.

“Whoever, if I could fight in March,” Cerrone told FOX Sports in a recent interview. “I know the title fight, they’re going to be fighting in March so we’ll have to get a No. 1 contender,” Cerrone said. “Hopefully, Demian Maia will (expletive) want to pull the trigger and not just keep waiting or Robbie (Lawler).

“Whoever’s above us. I don’t even care. I don’t (expletive) give a (expletive).”

Tyron Woodley currently rules the 170 lbs throne and will defend his title in a championship rematch against Stephen Thompson at UFC 209 on March 4. ‘The Chosen One’ fought ‘Wonderboy’ to a draw last year but retained the belt.

Top-ranked contender Demian Maia, who has quietly climbed the rankings with a series of submission wins, choked out two-time title challenger Carlos Condit in the first round at UFC on FOX 21. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialist has looked outstanding since his loss to Rory MacDonald in 2014.

Lawler, 34, lost the title when he was knocked out by Woodley in July. ‘Ruthless’ is one of the most seasoned competitors in the game and holds wins over the likes of Condit, MacDonald, Johny Hendricks, and Matt Brown.

Cerrone said the division is rife with politics and expressed his desire to fight anyone in the sport.

“(Nick) Diaz turned Robbie down. (Expletive) Maia turned Robbie down. You know who didn’t turn (expletive) Robbie down? Me,” Cerrone said.

“I said (expletive) yeah, bring that (expletive) on. That name don’t scare me none. I love Robbie but (expletive) come on.”

The JacksonWink product knows no limits and says that he’s aiming for a total of six fights in 2017.

“Let’s do it,” Cerrone said. “If I could get six fights in 2017, my coaches would be happy, I’ll be happy and we’ll get a title fight and defend that (expletive) three times, I’ll be good to go!”

Cerrone must first get past a very crafty Masvidal, who he will fight at UFC on FOX 23. The event is headlined by a women’s bantamweight bout between Valentina Shevchenko and Julianna Pena.