Alessio Sakara (L) throws a punch against Patrick Cote during their middleweight bout during UFC 154 on November 17, 2012 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The rematch between Alessio Sakara and Patrick Cote scheduled for UFC 158 has been canceled due to Sakara experiencing health issues, GRACIEMAG.com confirmed on Monday.
Sources close to the match-up verified Sakara is having problems with his kidneys and cannot compete on the newly-announced card in Montreal. UFC officials informed GRACIEMAG.com that a replacement for Sakara is being sought.
Sakara (15-10) and Cote (18-8) first met at UFC 154 last month in Canada. In their match-up, Sakara landed several punches and strikes to the back of Cote’s head, prompting referee Dan Miragliotta to step in and put a stop to the bout. The result was Sakara being disqualified for illegal strikes.
UFC officials reacted by pitting the two in an immediate rematch at UFC 158. However, due to Sakara’s condition, Cote will be forced to face someone else on the March card.
GRACIEMAG.com will update on Cote’s new opponent as more information becomes available.
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