Preview: UFC 210 ‘Cormier vs. Johnson 2’

Welterweights

Thiago Alves (21-11) vs. Patrick Cote (23-10)

THE MATCHUP: Since returning to the UFC in 2012, Cote has shown great improvements, and proven that, even at 37 years of age, he is still capable of making waves in MMA’s premier promotion. Elite contenders like Donald Cerrone and Stephen Thompson may be too much for the aging “Predator,” but wins over the likes of Ben Saunders and Kyle Noke are more than enough to suggest he will be able to challenge another aging former contender in Alves.

Alves may not have enjoyed the same level of success as Cote in recent years, but he, too, has something left in the tank. Alves was competitive with Carlos Condit before a brutal elbow spelled the beginning of the end, and he fought toe-to-toe with a resurgent Jim Miller in his last fight, though his failure to make the lightweight limit did force him to return to his old welterweight haunts for this fight. Despite the obvious wear and tear stemming from his nearly 16-year career as a professional fighter, Alves is still surprisingly sharp as a striker. Like his countryman Mauricio Rua, Alves has adapted to age and physical deterioration by focusing on counterpunching. The kicks that once made him such a fearsome challenger to the throne of Georges St. Pierre are less potent and frequent than before, but a body-kick TKO over Jordan Mein in 2015 proves Alves is still dangerous with every limb.

Cote has improved as a kickboxer, as well. Taking the opposite approach to Alves, the Canadian has begun fighting from a longer distance, using a cracking jab to disguise his killer right hand, all while peppering his opponents with thudding low kicks to keep them guessing. Cote is also more comfortable shooting for takedowns. That could figure heavily into this fight, as Alves’ once-sublime takedown defense has also crumbled with time.

THE ODDS: Cote (-165), Alves (+140)

THE PICK: This is not an easy fight to call. Both Alves and Cote are fading in some ways and improving in others. Both have recently suffered lopsided defeats. On the other hand, both men are obviously still capable of testing all but the very best in the welterweight division. Cote’s wrestling and boxing will enable him to pressure Alves on several fronts, but defensive skill has never been his forte, whereas Alves is still quite capable of making opponents miss and notably better at making them pay. Both men are durable, but both have been knocked out recently. If Alves can pressure and counter Cote consistently, however, his superior technique should win the day. The pick is Alves by unanimous decision.

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