Patrick Cote wants to welcome Nick Diaz back to UFC octagon

BOSTON – Fresh off an impressive performance on Sunday at UFC Fight Night 81, Patrick Cote is again aiming his sights at the welterweight division’s top 15.

Although Nick Diaz falls short of that mark, being absent on the UFC’s list and the MMAjunkie/USA TODAY Sports MMA welterweight rankings, he’s of course a big fight for any veteran looking for a break. And that’s why Cote wants the onetime welterweight title challenger if he can’t get an opponent with a number next to his name.

“I’m 35 years old, so I’m not getting younger,” Cote (23-9 MMA, 10-9 UFC) told UFC.com following a second-round TKO of Ben Saunders (19-7-2 MMA, 7-6 UFC) on the FOX Sports 1-televised prelims of the event at Boston’s TD Garden. “I want to move up the rankings as soon as possible, and with two good performances, I want a top-15 (opponent) – or there’s a guy coming back in August, and it’s Nick Diaz.”

New life was breathed into Diaz’s career this past week when the Nevada State Athletic Commission granted him a reprieve, reducing his suspension from five years to 18 months for his third marijuana infraction in the state. Diaz is now free to fight on Aug. 1, and while his next matchup isn’t booked, the search for opponents undoubtedly is underway.

Cote is one eager volunteer.

“If he wants an opponent in August, it’s good,” he said. “I’m going to enjoy my free time and be ready for this guy.”

Once a top middleweight contender, Cote blew out his knee in a title fight against former champ Anderson Silva at UFC 90 in 2008. Two subsequent losses forced him back to the regional circuit, where he reinvented himself with four straight wins. A loss to Cung Le opened his third stint with the promotion. But since dropping to 170 pounds, he has amassed a 5-1 record, which he feels is enough to win him greater competition.

We’ll see if the UFC agrees when it starts looking for Diaz’s next opponent.

For more on UFC Fight Night 81, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.