UFC 148: 5 Fights for Patrick Cote to Take Next

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One-time UFC middleweight title challenger Patrick Cote had his return to the world's largest mixed martial arts promotion spoiled by former Strikeforce champ Cung Le at last night's UFC 148.

The renowned Sanshou stylist took the unanimous decision win by utilizing his flashy kicks and superior wrestling the skills, ending Cote's four-fight win streak.

Still a dangerous striker, Cote will have to rebound quick to prove his spot in the middleweight division.

Here are five possible fights to get Cote back on track.

5. Riki Fukuda

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images.

Japanese middleweight Riki Fukuda also fought on last night's card, dropping a hard-fought unanimous decision to Constantinos Philippou.

While not an upper echelon 185er, Fukuda would be a game opponent who wouldn't be afraid to go toe-to-toe with Cote. 

This fight would make for a great standup battle as both fighters are iron-chinned warriors who leave it all in the Octagon.

4. Luiz Cane

Brazilian striker Luiz Cane was recently forced out of a scheduled bout with former top contender Yushin Okami due to an undisclosed injury.

Depending on when he returns, Cane would be an excellent match up for Cote. This bout would be another great standup war that has the potential to end with a bang.

3. Loser of Rousimar Palhares vs. Yushin Okami

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Veteran middleweight contenders Rousimar Palhares and Yushin Okami are set to battle it out on the upcoming UFC 150 card.

Okami is coming into the bout off back-to-back losses while Palhares is coming off his first loss since 2010.

The loser of this fight will be on a bad losing streak and could be a prime target for Cote. Both possible opponents are solid names in the MMA world with a win over either of them would instantly raise Cote's stock.

2. Loser of Mark Munoz vs. Chirs Weidman

A less likely scenario but one similar to the previous slide, facing the loser of the upcoming Mark Munoz vs. Chris Weidman bout would also be a high profile bout for Cote.

Munoz and Weidman are highly skilled wrestlers on the verge of top contender status, a very interesting stylistic matchup for the striking oriented Cote.

A rebound win over either fighter would be a huge victory for the French Canadian.

1. Alessio Sakara

Photo by Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com.

UFC vet and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Alessio Sakara would a very intriguing bout for Cote.

Sakara is coming off of back-to-back losses to top-tier middleweights Brian Stann and Chris Weidman and does not appear to have any fights in the works.

The Italian born fighter would be a great matchup as Sakara's hard-nosed fighting style would make for an instant classic when paired with Cote's. 

 

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