Three Intriguing Bouts Added to UFC 86 Card

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By Thomas Gerbasi

Shakeups in three divisions could be taking place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 5th when a mix of prospects, contenders, and veterans square off in three evenly matched bouts on UFC 86’s growing fight card.

In a welterweight matchup, Josh Koscheck looks to build off his exciting March win over Dustin Hazelett when he battles Chris “Lights Out” Lytle, who is coming off a 33 second knockout of Kyle Bradley in February.

“I’m very excited. Josh is one of the best in the world and I can't wait to test myself,” said Lytle, who was definitely taking notes as Koscheck showed his growing MMA game in his TKO victory against Hazelett. “It's hard to focus on one or two areas because Josh isn't one dimensional anymore.”

Another fighter wrongly dismissed as one-dimensional has been Canadian middleweight standout Patrick Cote, who is riding a four fight winning streak that includes UFC wins over Scott Smith, Kendall Grove, and most recently, Drew McFedries. One fighter who won’t be overlooking ‘The Predator’s ground game is his July 5th opponent, Ricardo Almeida.

“Because he lost to (Travis) Lutter so quickly people don't give him enough credit on the ground,” said Almeida. “I believe his ground skills are little underrated. He is coming off two very impressive knockout wins and is on a fast track to the top of the middleweight division. If I can beat him it should bring me much closer to fighting for the title then where I am now.”

If Almeida’s return to the Octagon and mixed martial arts in February, after almost four years away, was any indication, this bout with Cote could be one of the best middleweight fights of the year. The ‘Big Dog’ showed his world-renowned jiu-jitsu in submitting Rob Yundt in 68 seconds at UFC 81, but Cote feels that he will emerge with the victory when they step into battle this summer.

“He’s a very dangerous opponent, but that’s exactly what I wanted,” said Cote. “He’s a true artist on the ground, but overall, I’m better.”

In preliminary action on July 5th, Cole Miller will try to take a step up the lightweight ladder when he takes on always exciting veteran Jorge Gurgel.

“I have a lot of respect for Jorge,” said Miller, who is looking to rebound from a loss to Jeremy Stephens in January that snapped a two fight UFC winning streak. “I started off as a big fan and he was the only fighter I wanted to watch on The Ultimate Fighter 2. His fighting style is awesome to watch because he fights everywhere.”

Gurgel is coming off a three round win over tough John Halverson in March, but regardless of the victory, he will be shaking things up by relocating his camp from Cincinnati to Seattle, where he will train with Matt Hume.

“I’ve known Cole Miller for a long time and have nothing negative to say about the kid,” said Gurgel. “He’s always been extremely cordial and respectful towards me and I respect his love for the sport as well as his fighting skills. He’s a very tall and lengthy guy for the weight class, however I truly believe that will not impose any difficulties as far as me fighting a taller opponent. I never underestimate my opponents and am 100% sure that Cole will come at his best on July 5th. The only thing I can control and promise is that I also will be at my best and will be fighting my fight. I am always my own worst critic and I plan on being very proud of my performance that night.”

Tickets for UFC 86, which is headlined by the UFC light heavyweight championship bout between Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Forrest Griffin, are on sale now.

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