Patrick Cote has found new life at welterweight, and the UFC likes what they’ve seen so far.
They liked it so much that they’ve inked Cote to a new four-fight deal following his last victory over Bobby Voelker, which served as his debut at 170 pounds.
Cote’s manager Joe Cavallaro confirmed the news to Bleacher Report on Tuesday.
Following a long career at middleweight, Cote dropped down to welterweight for his last fight at UFC 158 and came away with a unanimous decision win. Now with his new multi-fight deal in place, Cote is looking forward to his next trip to the Octagon, although he’d like a bit of a detour along the way.
The UFC is currently in the process of putting together its next international version of the Ultimate Fighter, with the new season expected to pit Team Canada against Team Australia.
While no offers have been made or even discussed at this point, Cote would love to throw his name in the ring as a viable option to coach Team Canada on the newest installment of the long running reality show.
“I’m ready for that. I really hope they are thinking of me,” Cote told Bleacher Report on Tuesday. “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. 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 was actually a participant during the fourth season of the show titled Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback. The season focused on fighters who had previously competed in the Octagon and were looking to earn a second shot in the promotion.
Cote made it to the finals before losing to eventual house champion Travis Lutter.
Beyond his own experience on the show, Cote has been competing in the UFC since 2004 when he took on former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz on short notice at UFC 50.
If given the chance to coach on the show, Cote would accept the job without hesitation, and then focus on bringing up the next crop of fighters looking to follow in his footsteps.
“If they ask me to do it for sure, I’ll say yes. It would be a big honor for me,” Cote said. “I have the experience as a contestant, and to be there as a coach and to represent my country, I think it would be nice for everybody there. I’m pretty well known in Quebec with the French television broadcasts I’ve been doing.
“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. 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.”
The UFC has yet to officially comment on the new season of the reality show, but details will likely be forthcoming in the next few weeks. Either way, whether a job as coach awaits him or not, Cote is now secure with his new contract as he awaits word on his next fight inside the Octagon.
Damon Martin is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and all quotes were obtained first hand unless otherwise noted.
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