Exclusive | Alan Jouban wants to return in December against a top 15 opponent, maybe Patrick Cote

UFC welterweight standout Alan Jouban (14-4 MMA) is quickly climbing the promotions 170-pound ranks, having won two fights in a row and four of his past five overall.

Jouban’s most recent effort came at this past July’s UFC Fight Night 90 event in Las Vegas, where he picked up a unanimous victory over Belal Muhammad.

The bout with Muhammad was awarded “fight of the night” honors, marking the third time in seven octagon appearances that Jouban has left with the award.

Jouban was a recent guest on BJPENN.com’s Rapid Fire where he discussed his most recent victory and when he hopes to return to the octagon:

“The fight with Muhammad was great. I thought I was putting on one of my best performances to date. I was able to drop him on three occasions during the fight but on the third knockdown I broke my hand. I felt that I could have finished the fight if it was not for the injury but credit to Muhammad, he was tough.”

He continued:

“I had to have extensive surgery to repair my left hand so I haven’t been able to do any serious training since that fight. I am hoping to return to the UFC this December, maybe at the TUF 24 Finale in Las Vegas or at the UFC on FOX card in Sacramento. I am getting ready to leave on a family vacation to Thailand, so hopefully I will  be cleared to begin training again when I return in early October.”

We asked Alan who he would like to square off with in his next octagon appearance:

“I would really like to fight an opponent ranked in the top fifteen. It’s hard because I’m on the cusp of the rankings right now and I know guys ranked in the top fifteen are going to want to fight someone ranked above them so that they can move up. I would be willing to fight anyone ranked in the top fifteen of the division. Maybe someone like Patrick Cote. He is established, has put together some great win streaks. That would be a great fight for me.”

Patrick Cote is coming off the first knockout loss of his career, which he suffered at the hands of surging contender Donald Cerrone at June’s UFC Fight Night 89 event in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Prior to the setback, “The Predator” had put together three-straight octagon victories.

Who would you like to see Alan Jouban matched up with in his next octagon appearance? Sound off PENN Nation!