Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘Holloway vs. Oliveira’

Patrick Cote has won eight of his past 10 bouts. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

Welterweights
Josh Burkman (27-11, 5-6 UFC) vs. Patrick Cote (21-9, 8-9 UFC)

THE MATCHUP: Burkman draws Cote in a fight that would not have been out of place on a Spike TV-era UFC Fight Night card back in 2006. Since returning to the UFC this year, Burkman dropped a decision to Hector Lombard -- the Cuban tested positive for steroids afterward -- and was then submitted by Dong Hyun Kim. Cote rebounded from a decision loss to Stephen Thompson with a win over fellow senior circuit member Joe Riggs in April. The winner gets to stick around the promotion a while longer.

Despite his advancing age and nearly 13 years in the sport, Burkman remains an above-average athlete with great cardio and durability. He likes to strike, switching between orthodox and southpaw while flicking sharp low kicks at range and searching for angles. His southpaw straight left-right hook combination is his go-to sequence, and he packs real power in his hands. Wrestling has always been a strength for Burkman. He defends takedowns well against all but the most skilled opposition and mixes in his own singles and doubles. On the mat, Burkman can control from the top and lands good ground strikes, but he is at his most dangerous hunting for his trademark guillotine in transition.

(+ Enlarge) | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Burkman’s last UFC win came in 2007.

Like Burkman, Cote has settled into the role of the well-rounded veteran who retains some of his youthful physical gifts. Formerly a one-dimensional brawler who relied on his potent right hand, Cote has added substantially to the rest of his game. While he is still open to trading shots in the pocket, Cote has added more kicks at range, the occasional combination and an improved arsenal of counters. He complements that striking game with a few takedowns, and he retains the solid defensive wrestling he has shown throughout his career. From top position, Cote controls well, hunts for the occasional submissions and shows off excellent ground striking skills, with good body-head combinations and strong posture. The Canadian has slowed considerably, however, and does not really stand out in any particular area at this point.

BETTING ODDS: Burkman (-135), Cote (+115)

THE PICK: This is a close fight, and neither Burkman nor Cote has looked particularly outstanding in his last several outings. I lean toward the American, however. He is the slightly better wrestler and scrambler.

In addition, Burkman works at a quicker pace on the feet and has generally looked better against a higher level of competition. The pick is Burkman by decision.

Next Fight » Chad Laprise vs. Francisco Trinaldo