Patrick Cote (pictured) may have wanted a fight with Jake Ellenberger, but “The Predator” will have to settle for Ben Saunders instead.
On Friday, the UFC announced the welterweights will collide January 17 at UFC Fight Night 81.
Cote has won four of his last five fights, including two straight. The Canadian was last seen posting a TKO victory over Josh Burkman in August.
Saunders, meanwhile, is a perfect 3-0 since returning to the UFC. “Killa B” most recently took a split decision over Kenny Robertson in July.
Only a handful of bouts have been confirmed for the lineup thus far, but this 170-pound affair will most likely appear in the prelims.
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts serves as host. Fox Sports 1 will broadcast the main card live.
Here is the show’s updated lineup:
Charles Rosa vs. Jimy Hettes
Daron Cruickshank vs. Paul Felder
Ben Saunders vs. Patrick Cote
Travis Browne vs. Matt Mitrione
Eddie Alvarez vs. Anthony Pettis
Dominick Cruz vs. TJ Dillashaw (UFC bantamweight champion)