One awkward step. That’s all it took to end Patrick “the Predator” Cote’s title shot. Leading up to his bout with middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, at UFC 90, fans essentially counted out the Canadian fighter before he even stepped into the Octagon. In reality, Cote showed no fear and had a respectable, albeit unexciting, performance. Up until that point, nobody had pushed the champion beyond the second round. Just before the start of the third, Cote infamously held up three fingers in mock celebration of his accomplishment. Less than a minute later, the fight would be over.

As Cote took a step forward to engage, his knee buckled, sending him crashing to the canvas. Two surgeries later, “the Predator” will be back in action for the first time in nearly a year and a half. He will battle Alan Belcher at UFC 113 this Saturday in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

With such a long layoff, ring rust can become a major factor. Resuming training after his knee healed, Cote conceded that it was slow going at first.

“I’m not going to lie, the first two weeks when I got back in the gym, the timing wasn’t there, but it’s like four months ago. Right now, I’m a better fighter than when I fought Anderson Silva. I don’t feel any rust at all. I’m back 100 percent now, and the knee is not bothering me anymore. I’m in really good shape and ready to go.”

While the extended break benefitted his recovery, it didn’t help Cote maintain his physique. Regardless, he appears to be back on track a few days before his comeback.

“People was calling me ‘Fatrick’ instead of Patrick. It’s kind of funny. I was close to 230 when I started training full time, but right now I’m right on my good weight. I’m 202 right now and everything is perfect.”

Splitting his time between Sityodtong in Boston and BTT in Montreal, Cote has worked diligently on his craft. Although he could’ve asked for a warm up fight, Cote told the UFC that he wanted a formidable opponent from the start.

“We wanted a big fight right away, and that’s exactly what we have. Alan Belcher’s a gamer, he’s going to bring it. He’s a really tough guy, really good chin.”

The two middleweights were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 83 before a different injury forced Cote to step down. One title shot and a reconstructed knee later, Cote is ready to get back to his old ways. With Belcher generally preferring the striking game, Cote is more than happy to accommodate him.

“Everybody knows my style. I like to punch, I like to throw my feet, and I’m a striker. I’m not afraid to go on the ground and wrestle with this guy, but for sure if he’s ready to stay on his feet, I’m going to stay on my feet.”

(Source: MMA Weekly)