Patrick Cote throwing a right hand (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Donald Cerrone will battle Patrick Cote at UFC Fight Night 89 on Saturday, and if you believe “Cowboy” is going to cruise to his 30th pro victory, Tim Means would have to disagree.

The bout will be Cerrone’s second in a row competing at 170, as in February, the perennial lightweight contender submitted Alex Oliveira in a welterweight contest. That bout came together after Tim Means was forced to withdraw from UFC FN 83, after testing positive for Ostarine. Just last week, however, USADA announced that a supplement Means was taking was tainted with Ostarine. Since the banned substance wasn’t disclosed in the supplement’s ingredients, Means will be eligible to return in August.

Recently Means appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio to discuss his settlement with USADA, but, he was also asked to weigh-in on the Cerrone – Cote match-up. On the betting lines, Cerrone is a favorite to win in the -155 to -175 range.

“It’s not an easy fight at all,” said Means. “Patrick Cote’s boxing is excellent. Donald Cerrone’s boxing’s terrible. His head stays on a straight line. He’s been clobbered by smaller guys than he’s taller than. Patrick Cote is not a small welterweight. He’s come down from 185. Very good power and an iron chin like you said. Very quick.”

Cerrone’s (29-7) victory over Oliveira returned him to the win column, after he was quickly taken out by lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos in December. Prior to that, the rugged and dangerous fighter had won 8 straight.

Cote (23-9), meanwhile, has won three in a row, and four of his last five. Most recently “The Predator” stopped Ben Saunders in January.

“His boxing is going to beat Cerrone’s kicks,” added Means, who also relayed in the interview that he’s still hoping to fight Cerrone in the future. “I think this is a fight that Cote can win decisively just with his boxing skills. His wrestling defense is good. His ground stuff is good. This is a dangerous fight for Cerrone.”

UFC FN 89 will be hosted by the TD Place Arena in Ottawa, Ontario.