Patrick Cote Signs New UFC Deal
Former UFC middleweight fighter Patrick Cote has signed a multi-fight deal in the welterweight division following his 170 pound debut at UFC 158.
The 33-year-old (19-8) defeated Bobby Voelker (24-9) by unanimous decision on March 16, 2013. The UFC was so impressed with his victory that they signed the Canadian to a four-fight deal. In the meantime, however, Cote is setting his sights on a coaching gig on The Ultimate Fighter.
“I’m ready for that. I really hope they are thinking of me. I have no idea what they are thinking about. I just signed a four-fight deal with the UFC. We’ve talked about my next fight, but nothing is signed, nothing has been decided,” Cote told the Bleacher Report. “They just announced the TUF Canada vs. Australia and everybody has gone crazy on Twitter trying to help me become the coach of Team Canada. I appreciate the support from everybody, maybe it’s going to help.”
Cote said he would accept the job without any hesitation, and that he wanted to share his knowledge.
Cote is in a unique position to coach, having been a contestant himself. Cote appeared in the fourth season, Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback. The season focused on fighters who had previously competed in the Octagon and wanted a second shot. Cote made it to the finals before losing to house champion Travis Lutter.
“I would go there to help those guys. I would not go there for my personal exposure. I want to help and share what I know with those guys,” Cote said. “I did my first fight like 10 years ago. So maybe I’m not the best in every aspect, but I’m good in all areas and I think I could help those guys learn.”
Cote made his UFC debut in 2004 at UFC 50 against former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz. He lost by unanimous decision and didn’t win his first UFC fight until 2007 at UFC 67 against Scott Smith.
The UFC has yet to make any announcements about the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, but more details will likely emerge in the next couple of weeks.
Do you think Patrick Cote would make a good TUF coach?
[Photo credit: Patrick Cote / Twitter]
