Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight boxer Alessio Sakara is 6-7 under the ZUFFA banner (with one no contest) and was recently disqualified for clobbering Patrick Cote in the back of the head while referee Dan Miragliotta cheered him on at the UFC 154 pay-per-view (PPV) show earlier this month in Montreal.

His punishment? A four-fight contract extension!

"Legionarius" (15-10), who made his Octagon debut just over seven years ago at UFC 55, is likely sticking around to give "The Predator" another shot at a clean ending. Cote survived the appeals process after emerging unconscious victorious at the "St. Pierre vs. Condit" event back on Nov. 17.

Sakara's manager, Lex McMahon (no relation to Vince), breaks it down for MMA Fighting:

"We believe this gesture is indicative of the level of respect the UFC has for Alessio and we want to thank Dana White, Joe Silva, Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta for their long-standing support of Alessio. He is very focused on showing his appreciation the next time he steps into the Octagon."

The promotion has a history of rewarding its loyal veterans (see Hardy, Dan) but following his second dance with Cote, where does the former pugilist go in the crowded 185-pound division? Sakara has already been defeated by Brian Stann, Chris Weidman and Chris Leben and has a long road ahead of him if he hopes to one day get "in the mix."

Thoughts on his recent contract extension?