Former UFC title challenger Patrick Cote saw the writing on the wall, and got out of the UFC before things got too rough.
The French-Canadian UFC star retired following a UFC 210 loss to Thiago Alves earlier this month. According to Cote on his new Fightful MMA Podcast, father time and not responding to strikes both contributed to his decision.
"In my last two fights, something happened that hasn't happened in the last 15 years -- I got dropped. I got dropped by Cerrone, dropped by Thiago Alves. You have to be smarter than the sport. Fuck, I'm old now!" said Cote.
Cote is remembered for his outstanding middleweight run, but recently found success at welterweight. Despite going 5-3 since his move four years ago, Cote said his physical attributes aren't what they once were.
"I can't see the shot coming like before. I don't have the reaction time I had a couple years ago. My body is tired. I lost the speed. If I can't see the punch coming, I can't start my feet. I did prepare my exit in the past couple of years. It's too dangerous for me to do that sport. It's a war. If I can't compete at that level, I can't put my body through that sacrifice. I was smart enough to prepare my exit and leave on my new terms," said Cote.
You can see the full podcast at this link. Fightful's podcast network includes Cote, Elias Theodorou, Sean Pierson, Frank Trigg, Shane Helms and Matt Riddle.
