Patrick Cote-Alessio Sakara UFC rematch called off By QMI Agency

Patrick Côté (left) and Alessio Sakara come together at UFC 154. (QMI Agency)

The previously announced rematch between Canadian Patrick Cote and Alessio Sakara at UFC 158 in Montreal won't happen after all.

According to multiple reports, Sakara has been ordered by doctors to not train for at least three months because of kidney issues related to cutting weight. That won't give the Italian middleweight enough time to prepare for the March 16 fight with Cote.

Sakara was disqualified for illegal blows after stopping Cote at UFC 154 Nov. 17 in Montreal. Sakara's handlers wanted the fight ruled a no contest but the Quebec commission upheld the disqualification.

The Cote-Sakara rematch was on the undercard of UFC 158, which features a headline fight between UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and Nick Diaz. A replacement opponent for Cote is expected to be named soon.