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White: Cerrone battling injuries, won't face Lawler at UFC 214

Tom Szczerbowski / USA TODAY

Donald Cerrone is suffering from a staph infection as well as a pulled groin, and won't be able to face Robbie Lawler at UFC 214 on July 29 in Anaheim, Calif., president Dana White told MMAjunkie on Wednesday.

"No, it won’t be on Anaheim," White said.

"Cowboy" announced earlier in the day he was battling a blood infection - not an injury - and would not be taking on the former welterweight champ at UFC 213 as initially scheduled, but White insisted the fight wouldn't be booked (again) until the fan favorite was completely healthy.

Related: Cerrone clarifies UFC 213 withdrawal due to blood infection, not injury

"Here’s the deal. 'Cowboy' Cerrone is a stud. He’s too tough for his own good," White said. "He absolutely wanted to fight. The kid’s got a pulled groin; he’s got a bruise from his knee to the inside of his groin. And his other knee is blowing up; he’s got staph infection.

"Could he come out and fight? Probably. Should he come out and fight Robbie Lawler with a pulled groin? No, he shouldn’t. We’re going to get him healthy and remake the fight."

The clash has now fallen through twice, with Lawler pulling out due to personal reasons before he and Cerrone were to meet at UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden in November.

Lawler hasn't fought since being dethroned by Tyron Woodley via first-round KO last July, while Cerrone last saw a four-fight win streak snapped by Jorge Masvidal at UFC on FOX 23 in January.

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