Cote v Almeida @ UFC 86

Mulla · 03-25-2008, 12:38 PM

The Fight Network :: ALL FIGHTS ALL THE TIME :: Get it on!

Quote:

Patrick “The Predator” Cote will climb another rung on the UFC’s middleweight ladder when he returns to the Octagon this summer. The Fight Network has learned that Cote will face Renzo Gracie protégé Ricardo Almeida at UFC 86 on Saturday, July 5 in Las Vegas.

Cote revealed on Monday that he will be competing on the main card of the event, which will feature a light heavyweight title bout between champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Forrest Griffin. Although Cote would neither confirm nor deny Almeida as his opponent, longtime training partner and friend David “The Crow” Loiseau said on Monday that the heavy-handed Quebec native would be taking on the decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

Cote’s stock has been on the rise in the UFC middleweight division after back-to-back technical knockout victories over Kendall Grove and Drew McFedries. After a knee injury forced him to pull out of a UFC 83 match with Alan Belcher, Cote (12-4, 3-4 UFC) was vocal about his desire to face a top-flight competitor in his next Octagon appearance. Almeida (9-2, 2-2 UFC) fits that profile.

“We wanted a big fight,” Cote said. “I have four wins in a row – three in the UFC – and I think I’m ready for a real tough opponent. I want to fight a guy who, if I win, the UFC will put me in a title fight or one more fight before I get my shot."

A second degree BJJ black belt under Gracie, Almeida has defeated several highly regarded middleweights, including 2006 Pride Welterweight Grand Prix winner Kazuo Misaki, former Deep champion Ryo Chonan and one-time UFC middleweight title challenger Nate Marquardt. Though he has only fought twice since 2004, Almeida submitted UFC newcomer Rob Yundt at UFC 81 “Breaking Point” in February and showed no ill affects from his extended layoff.

Cote – who submitted previously to Joe Doerksen and Travis Lutter – wants to showcase his improved ground skills, a facet of his game many still consider his Achilles’ heel. He will get his chance against one of the world’s best grapplers.

“I’m a purple belt in jiu-jitsu, but I’m close to having my brown belt,” Cote said. “I’ve worked a lot on my wrestling and my jiu-jitsu the last two years, so I’m ready to roll with anybody. I can’t wait to show my skills on the ground.”

I see this going much the same way as Lutter/Cote. I know Patrick's been working on his ground game but Almeida's on another level.

If he gets past Cote, I could see Almeida being next in line for a title shot (after Okami).

TheSteveOfMean · 03-25-2008, 12:52 PM

Wow this is a really exciting fight, even though its a shame someone has to lose as I'm fans of them both. Cote has veen letting his hands go recently, resulting in some impressive victories. The Big Dog's recent appearance was the only time I have seen him, but I was mightily impressed with his BJJ and the way he won with the guillitine with an arm in.

Whoever wins this should really be in the mix for a title shot, especially Cote who has 3 wins in a row already. Cant wait for this.

Heatwaves · 03-25-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

If he gets past Cote, I could see Almeida being next in line for a title shot (after Okami).

I totally agree. Whoever wins, will probably be next in line, after Okami.

This matchup totally rocks my socks off.

giguer · 03-25-2008, 01:46 PM

Very nice one. We will see where the fight will go and the ground game of Coté

T-Bone · 03-25-2008, 01:51 PM

Tough one here.

War Cote!!

basslogic4003 · 03-25-2008, 02:04 PM

I have an allegiance to any Renzo Gracie protege, so war Almeida! Also, in the grand scheme of things in the MW division, I think Almeida would be a more compelling, difficult test for Silva than Cote....I just don't see anyone being able to out-bang him at this point.

twigz · 03-25-2008, 02:06 PM

Spawl n brawl Cote! I would like to see Cote take this because he had a tough run in the UFC until recently. I hope he doesn't come in thinking his ground game is top notch and wanting to show people, that would cost him the fight IMO.

WAR COTE!!

Toshinden · 03-25-2008, 06:55 PM

Cote's the man! He needs this one... despite the fact he's on a decent winning streak right now

NateRupe · 03-25-2008, 09:17 PM

I'll take Almeida on this one.

FightFan76 · 03-25-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basslogic4003

I have an allegiance to any Renzo Gracie protege, so war Almeida! Also, in the grand scheme of things in the MW division, I think Almeida would be a more compelling, difficult test for Silva than Cote....I just don't see anyone being able to out-bang him at this point.

Yeah I agree; I really like Cote and what he has done of late but he matches up terribly against Silva b/c his strength is to slug it out and like I have said b/4 I dont feel anyone can beat Silva like that. Having said that, if Cote could get a good clean solid shot on Silva he could potentially hurt him and have a shot but I really dont see that happenning b/4 Silva knocks him out.....

basslogic4003 · 03-25-2008, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FightFan76

Yeah I agree; I really like Cote and what he has done of late but he matches up terribly against Silva b/c his strength is to slug it out and like I have said b/4 I dont feel anyone can beat Silva like that. Having said that, if Cote could get a good clean solid shot on Silva he could potentially hurt him and have a shot but I really dont see that happenning b/4 Silva knocks him out.....

Yeah man, Silva thrives on sluggers...they're like a staple crop for him. For anyone to beat him standing, they gotta be just as precise as him, with a tight, hands up guard, with solid punches right down the pipe thrown with tremendous power, and I'm not sure we've seen anyone like that yet. He doesn't outslug people, he just out-techs and straight up outclasses people on his feet. I do, however, feel he can be beat on the ground by someone of Almeida's skill level, he's just gotta turn it into a BJJ match ASAF'ingP.

Pitbull · 03-25-2008, 10:50 PM

Very nice matchup. WAR ALMEIDA!!!

FatCat · 03-25-2008, 11:12 PM

I don't like this matchup because I'm a big fan of both fighters. It's a shame, because Cote is on a roll right now but I see Almeida winning this one by sub. I agree with Bass here, Almeida just might have what it takes to give Silva a run for his money too. Good footwork, above average takedowns, and super slick BJJ. Hopefully Almeida does win, becuase as much as I like Cote, I don't see him lasting more than a few minutes vs. Silva. If a fighter like Almeida can't challenge Silva, that's about all she wrote for the division.

FightFan76 · 03-26-2008, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

I see this going much the same way as Lutter/Cote. I know Patrick's been working on his ground game but Almeida's on another level.
If he gets past Cote, I could see Almeida being next in line for a title shot (after Okami).

I really hope he has improved his ground game b/c I like the guy but until I see it in an actual fight I have to assume he is the same turtle on his back as he was against Lutter, so I see Almeida winning by some sort of submission. I do hope Cote proves me wrong, even if he has improved this is not exactly the 1st guy to test new ground/bjj skills on b/c he is a higher level fighter in that aspect.....

Rumbin · 03-26-2008, 02:01 AM

I will root for Almeida since he should get a title shot after this W, which could help other MW's get on gear and create contenders for Anderson.

RampageMcKellar · 03-26-2008, 02:13 AM

Im going for Cote in this one, should be a great fight. Either way the winner should get a title shot after Okami.

Jasp · 03-26-2008, 04:29 AM

I dont see Cote be able to stuff takedowns all night long. Almeida will get him down sooner or later and when he does its good night for Cote.

Almeida is something else on the ground, for you who havent seen his previous fights he really got some serious ground skills.

fullonshred · 03-26-2008, 01:15 PM

Why don't more guys use knees to knockout opponents who are constantly taking shots?

MTKrav911 · 03-26-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

The Fight Network :: ALL FIGHTS ALL THE TIME :: Get it on!

I see this going much the same way as Lutter/Cote. I know Patrick's been working on his ground game but Almeida's on another level.

If he gets past Cote, I could see Almeida being next in line for a title shot (after Okami).

I've already booked my room and airline for this event. When the NSAC approves the event, the UFC will start selling tickets. But from what I hear, that's just a formality. The room rates @ Mandalay Bay and MGM, plus that they have "empty" on their even caledar for July 5th, it's all but confirmed The UFC is going to be at mandalay on the 5th. This is rounding up to be an awesome card so far.

I can't wait.

T-Bone · 03-26-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullonshred

Why don't more guys use knees to knockout opponents who are constantly taking shots?

You go, shred! Once again, I'm with ya. I remember we also wondered why people don't use those elbows...when standing against the cage more. Some of them try and granted it has to do with positioning and timing but it's almost as if most fighters completely ignore that aspect.