After failing to make weight for his lightweight debut in his last outing, Thiago Alves returned to the welterweight division against fellow veteran Patrick Cote at UFC 210 on Saturday. Back at his optimal weight, Alves looked sharp in his 22nd Octagon appearance. He dominated Cote on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
Alves looked like his old self. He put on a striking clinic, knocking Cote down twice during the fight. Cote pressured Alves most of the fight, but it wasn’t the best strategy. As he moved forward late in the opening round, Alves landed a left hand that dropped the Canadian.
Cote came out aggressive in the second frame, but Alves remained composed and continued to pick his opponent apart. During an exchange along the cage midway through the round, Alves delivered a right hand that knocked Cote to his knees.
Cote decided to change game plans in the final round. After losing the striking exchanges through the first two frames, Cote tried to take the Brazilian down. Alves defended the attempt and put Cote on his back instead. He delivered short elbows and punches. When Cote got back to his feet, he was cut and bloodied.
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