By Kelsey Mowatt

Since Patrick Cote was released by the UFC in 2010, the former middleweight contender has hasn’t lost sight of his one main objective: to return to the Octagon as soon as possible. Although it’s likely taken longer than Cote expected or wished for, after knocking out veteran Gustavo Machado on March 31st, the fighter’s mission may be nearing completion.

“I did everything I was supposed to do,” said Cote, while discussing his first round KO of Machado, which took place on the second Amazon Forest Combat card in Manaus, Brazil. “I went there looking to make a statement and to put together my fourth win in a row. That’s exactly what we did.”

Perhaps, most importantly, is the fact that Cote was able to record the kind of definitive knockout win that fans and UFC officials like to see.

“It was really important,” said Cote (17-7), who has also scored wins over Todd Brown, Kalib Starnes and Crafton Wallace since he lost by unanimous decision to Tom Lawlor in October, 2010. “I think for them, because that’s what they wanted, but really for me too. It’s been a long time since I’ve knocked someone out cold like that and that used to be my trademark.”

“It feels good to be back where I was,” the 32 year old Cote added. “I felt like my speed and power was really good for this fight. I was really good with my footwork too and I’m feeling really confident.”

Although Machado (22-9) hasn’t competed for the UFC, the Pancrase and Rings vet had won four straight bouts heading into AFC 2 and was 9-1 in his last 10.

“Another thing is that I went to his country to fight him,” Cote said. “So I went there to fight a local guy and Machado’s no joke man. He’s a legitimate black belt…That was a big win and I’m really happy that I was able to show my skills and power again.”

Now Cote will have to wait and see whether or not his latest win has earned him another shot in the UFC.

“No, nothing yet,” Cote said when asked if his team has been contacted by the promotion. “I just came back to Montreal a few days ago. After the fight I went to Rio to train with BTT (Brazilian Top Team)  and “Toquinho” (Rousimar Palhares); helping him be well prepared for Alan Belcher because I fought him before.”

“For my part I’ve done what I was told to do,” Cote furthered. “They asked me to go fight a guy with a better record, on a winning streak, and that’s exactly what I did…I really hope that they’re going to put me on the Calgary card, July 21st, but we’ll see.”

In addition, it appears as though quite a few fans have been helping out Cote’s cause, by tweeting UFC President Dana White.

“It’s been awesome; it means a lot to have fans like that,” Cote said. “I’ve always had a lot of support even when I busted my knee and I was out for a year-and-a-half. I know they’re cheering for me to get back to the UFC and on the Calgary card. I really appreciate it.”

And, if the UFC determines that Cote won’t be returning to the Octagon for the time being?

“I’m a free agent but the AFC want’s me back for sure in July,” Cote relayed. “They’re doing a big show in Sao Paulo and they’re really good people. I had a good connection with them already, so if it’s not going to be the UFC, I’ll go there and they want me to fight for the title. It’s not one hundred percent but there’s a good chance if it’s not back with the UFC.”