Patrick Cote announced his move to welterweight earlier this week and he now has his first opponent. Former Strikeforce fighter Bobby Voelker will make the move over to the UFC to welcome Cote to his new division at UFC 158.
UFC Canada confirmed the fight Friday morning.
Cote (18-8) was originally going to stay at the 185lbs weight class for his rematch with Alessio Sakara at UFC 158. However, when Sakara pulled out of the fight due to an ailing kidney, Cote figured it would be a perfect time for the drop in weight. Since Cote returned to the organization at UFC 148, the Canadian has gone 1-1. His one win was due to Sakara illegally punching him in the back of the head and being disqualified. He will now try his luck in the welterweight division.
Voelker (24-8) is riding a three fight winning streak under the Strikeforce banner, however hasn’t fought since July of 2011. His last two fights were TKO victories against Roger Bowling.
UFC 158 goes down on March 16 from the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Headlining the event will be Georges St-Pierre putting his welterweight title on the line against Nick Diaz. A pair of welterweight battles will lead up to the main event, as Rory MacDonald looks to avenge his UFC 115 loss to Carlos Condit and Johny Hendricks will hope to keep his win streak alive against Jake Ellenberger.
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