The UFC has added a new fighter to the already stacked welterweight division. On Tuesday evening, former UFC Middleweight Title Challenger Patrick Cote announced that he would be making the drop to 170lbs.
He announced the decision via his official Twitter account.
“After a year of thinking and good talk with my coaches and nutritionnist,its time, my next fight will be at 170 Thanks for the support
#UFC“
Cote has been fighting in the 185lbs weight class since 2005. He made his debut in that weight class at UFC 52, when he lost to Joe Doerksen by Unanimous Decision.
The Canadian was originally slated to face Alessio Sakara at UFC 158 in a rematch from their UFC 154 match which ended by disqualification. Cote wound up winning that bout due to Sakara illegally striking the back of the head. Unfortunately, Sakara was unable to compete at UFC 158 because of a kidney illness.
Cote is still looking to stay on the UFC 158 fight card. On Monday UFC officials announced that they would be seeking a replacement for Sakara, however it will now be a welterweight replacement instead of a middleweight one.
UFC 158 takes place on March 16 at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The main event will feature Georges St-Pierre against Nick Diaz for the UFC Welterweight Championship. Also on the card are a pair of welterweight match-ups as Rory MacDonald attempt to avenge his UFC 115 loss to Carlos Condit in the co-main event and Jake Ellenberger will square off with Johny Hendricks in a main card tussle.
