News
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February 17, 2010
Koscheck-Daley Official for 'Machida vs. Shogun 2'
World-ranked welterweights will face off when Josh Koscheck meets Paul Daley in a featured matchup at UFC 113 “Machida vs. Shogun 2” on May 8 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Seven bouts have been greenlit for the UFC’s return north of the border.
Koscheck, a perennial contender at 170 pounds, has won consecutive fights since his surprising technical knockout loss to Paulo Thiago in early 2009. The 32-year-old American Kickboxing Academy product last appeared in November, when he submitted Anthony Johnson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 106. A semi-finalist on Season 1 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Koscheck was a Div. I national champion and four-time All-American wrestler at Edinboro University. The Waynesburg, Pa., native holds wins against former UFC middleweight champion Dave Menne, one-time Icon Sport titleholder Frank Trigg and “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 winner Diego Sanchez.
Source: Sherdog
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January 31, 2010
Josh Koscheck Twitter
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January 19, 2010
UFC 113: Josh Koscheck vs Paul Daley co main event May 1
Here we go!
British brawler Paul Daley will get his shot at the big time when he collides with perennial welterweight contender, Josh Koscheck, at the upcoming UFC 113 event from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on May 1, 2010.
"Kos" today confirmed the good news via Twitter.com, saying the electric 170-pound showdown will serve as the co main event of the major pay-per-view (PPV) event. And in all likelihood it will determine the next contender in a division stacked with talent.
Even before the stakes were raised with championship implications on the line, this one already had the ingredients for an explosive encounter inside the Octagon and out.
In fact, Daley has already insulted Koscheck, promising that he would "rock" the "Fraggle" if the pair ever touched 'em up, indicating that the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) standout resembles a 1980s-era Jim Henson character.
That's not a compliment.
Daley is as confident as they come and the heavy-handed welterweight striker has been able to back it up with two lethal performances since making his promotional debut.
He torched the title hopes of Martin Kampmann with a first round technical knockout at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" and then brutalized grappling whiz Dustin Hazelett at UFC 108: "Evans vs. Silva" with a crushing knockout in hos most recent performance.
Koscheck, meanwhile, has been recovering for an injury that forced him out of a planned rematch against Paulo Thiago at UFC 109: "Relentless" next month.
He has gone on to score two impressive wins since the surprise loss to the Brazilian, stopping Frank Trigg via technical knockout at UFC 103: "Franklin vs. Belfort" back in September and then choking out Anthony Johnson just last month at UFC 106: "Ortiz vs. Griffin 2."
A third straight win could have him -- or "Semtex" --knocking on the door of the winner of Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy.
UFC 113 features the much-anticipated rematch between 205-pound division champion, Lyoto Machida, defending his belt against fellow Brazilian Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the main event of the evening.
Source: MMAMania
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January 12, 2010
UFC's best to visit
By Todd Stanford
The Daily Item
DANVILLE -- The UFC is coming to Danville.
No, not for a Pay Per View event, but for an appearance by two long-time UFC vets. Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch, both welterweights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, will appear tonight at MATS, a youth recreation facility in Danville.
Bob Cook, a mixed martial arts manager and trainer, will also appear. The program begins at 9 p.m. and there is no charge to the public. Both fighters and Cook will be available for autographs.
With many of the American-based ultimate fighters drawing from a background in folkstyle wrestling, mixed martial arts has a particular appeal to many wrestling fans. Michael Sees, a state wrestling runner-up at Shikellamy who was later a standout at Bloomsburg University, teaches wrestling at MATS. His interest in the UFC has trickled down to his young charges.
"Since my brother got into it, the kids have been following it more and more," MATS manager Tonja Sees says. "(Koscheck and Fitch) are pretty prominent, and a lot of kids are excited to meet them."
Tonja Sees was able to put tonight's event together with the help of Shamokin District Judge John Gembic, whose family helps promote the UFC.
Both Fitch and Koscheck are well-known fighters. Fitch (24-3) fought for the UFC welterweight title in 2008, losing a unanimous decision to Georges St. Pierre. He's currently the second-ranked welterweight in the world behind St. Pierre, according to the popular MMA Web site Sherdog.com.
Born in Waynesburg, Pa., Koscheck (16-4) grew up in Fresno, Calif., but returned to the Keystone State to wrestle at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. While competing for the Fighting Scots, Koscheck won the 2001 NCAA Division I championship at 174 pounds. Sherdog.com has Koscheck ranked fifth in the world among welterweights.
From its beginnings as a fringe competition in the early 1990s, mixed martial arts has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with the UFC emerging as the richest and most viable MMA league. When Brock Lesnar beat Frank Mir to defend the UFC heavyweight title last July, the bout was the main news item on Sports Illustrated's Web site.
MMA fighters are beginning to find a niche on the cultural scene as well. Former light-heavyweight champion Chuck "Iceman" Liddell has appeared in a video by the rock band Nickelback, while another former light-heavyweight champ, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, will play Mr. T's role in the upcoming movie version of "The A Team."
"A lot of (the youth wrestlers) are into it," Tonja Sees says. "Especially since my brother got into it, the kids have been following it more and more."
MATS, founded last April, is located in the former Magic Rivers Skating Rink on Route 11 between Danville and Bloomsburg. The center has about 130 wrestlers -- from youth to college age -- who train there. A competitive cheerleading team and a group of gymnasts also work out at the center. Their Web site is seesmatsinc.com.
Source: TheDailyItem.com
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January 7, 2010
Koscheck vs. Daley in the Works for May
A welterweight contender bout between Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley is under discussion for a UFC card in May.
The news was originally reported by ESPN's Jon Anik, who revealed the news during an online chat this afternoon. Heavy.com has confirmed with sources close to the UFC that the bout is currently being worked on but has not been finalized.
Koscheck is coming off the most high-profile victory of his career, a co-main event victory over Anthony Johnson at UFC 106 that earned "Fight of the Night" honors. Koscheck was originally scheduled to face Paulo Thiago in a rematch at UFC 109 next month, but suffered an injury while training and was forced to withdraw from the bout. He'll instead face Daley, a British striker who has scored a pair of dramatic knockouts during two bouts in the UFC.
Both men are considered top contenders for George St. Pierre's welterweight championship.Source: Heavy.com
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January 4, 2010
White says Fitch or Koscheck likely next for Daley; "Semtex" wants Alves
LAS VEGAS – British slugger Paul Daley (23-8-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) took more than six years to make his way to the UFC, but he's certainly not wasting any time now.
With his second striking-fueled finish in as many trips to the octagon, Daley's knockout win over Dustin Hazelett in the co-main event of Saturday's UFC 108 event in Las Vegas has helped him climb the welterweight rankings in meteoric fashion.
And following the event, UFC president Dana White said he believes Daley is now ready for the division's top contenders.
"[Daley] burst onto the scene here, obviously, and has taken out two very tough guys," White said. "But you know who we're talking about at the top of that division.
"[Daley] is going to have to fight one of the top two contenders before we think about him fighting [current champ Georges St-Pierre]."
While it's countryman and Team Rough House teammate Dan Hardy who will next face St-Pierre, Daley could certainly find himself in title contention with another win over a top contender. With victories over Hazelett and Martin Kampmann already to Daley's credit, White said he believes "Semtex" has earned a shot at one of the 170-pound divisions top fighters, namely Jon Fitch (21-3 MMA, 11-1 UFC) or Josh Koscheck (14-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC).
White actually admitted he'd prefer those two American Kickboxing Academy fighters face each other, but he'll settle for Daley jumping between them.
"My big problem in this division right now is the two best guys out there are probably Koscheck and Fitch, and trying to get them to fight each other is a nightmare," White said. "I'd really like to see that fight, but we can put Daley against one of them and see what happens."
As for Daley, he's constantly contended he has no desire in hand-picking opponents. A fighter in every sense of the word, Daley lives by the "anybody, any time, any place" edict.
"I really don't mind," Daley said. "I'd like to fight Fitch or Koscheck just to prove that I've got improved takedown defense, and I have a ground game. This is stuff that I'm continually working on. I just haven't had a chance to display it because I keep knocking people out standing up.
"Fitch would be great, or Koscheck, but there's a (Thiago) Alves fight, (too). I've been fighting and knocking guys standing up, but I really haven't displayed my full array of standup skills, and I think a fight with Alves would be entertaining for the fans and I could show a little bit more standing up."
Fitch and Alves are rumored to meet at UFC 111 in March in New Jersey, so the likely scenario appears to be Daley vs. Koscheck sometime in the near future. And while the Brit appears to be on the verge of consideration as one of the welterweight division's best fighters, he says the UFC is ultimately responsible for issuing his orders.
"I'm just here to fight," Daley said. "Whatever happens, whatever the UFC wants to do to me, they do. I'm just here to fight."
For more on UFC 108, check out the MMA Events section of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).
John Morgan is the lead staff reporter for MMAjunkie.com.Source: MMA Junkie
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December 18, 2009
UFC rankings/MMA rankings featured in USA Today for December 2009
Our partners in crime over at BloodyElbow.com have once again published their divisional rankings for mixed martial arts in the nation’s largest daily newspaper, USA Today, for the month of December 2009.
For those of you unfamiliar with the process, here’s how it works:
“The rankings, which will offer a definitive perspective of top MMA fighters across all weight-classes, will be released monthly and published in the Sports section of USA TODAY, online at USATODAY.com and on SB Nation’s MMA commentary and community blog, BloodyElbow.com … The USA TODAY/SB Nation Consensus MMA Rankings are compiled each month by Nate Wilcox and Richard Wade of BloodyElbow.com. The rankings utilize each of the top MMA rankings from multiple unique sources. A weighted-formula is applied to normalize and distill the various rankings into one consensus ranking per weight class.”
To check out the latest USAT/SBN rankings clickhere. We’ve also listed their top 10 in each class after the jump for your convenience.
What do you think? Share your ranking rants in the comments section below.
Heavyweight:
1. Fedor Emelianenko
2. Brock Lesnar
3. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
4. Frank Mir
5. Junior Dos Santos
6. Cain Velasquez
7. Josh Barnett
8. Shane Carwin
9. Brett Rogers
10. Alistair OvereemLight Heavyweight:
1. Lyoto Machida
2. Mauricio Rua
3. Rashad Evans
4. Quinton Jackson
5. Forrest Griffin
6. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
7. Gegard Mousasi
8. Thiago Silva
9. Anderson Silva
10. Randy CoutureMiddleweight:
1. Anderson Silva
2. Nate Marquardt
3. Dan Henderson
4. Demian Maia
5. Vitor Belfort
6. Chael Sonnen
7. Jake Shields
8. Yushin Okami
9. Yoshihiro Akiyama
10. Mamed KhalidovWelterweight:
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Thiago Alves
4. Josh Koscheck
5. Dan Hardy
6. Mike Swick
7. Paulo Thiago
8. Matt Hughes
9. Carlos Condit
10. Paul DaleyLightweight:
1. B.J. Penn
2. Shinya Aoki
3. Eddie Alvarez
4. Kenny Florian
5. Gray Maynard
6. Frank Edgar
7. Diego Sanchez
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri
9. Sean Sherk
10. Joachim HansenFeatherweight:
1. Jose Aldo
2. Mike Brown
3. Urijah Faber
4. Bibiano Fernandes
5. Hatsu Hioki
6. Rafael Assuncao
7. Manny Gamburyan
8. Wagnney Fabiano
9. Michihiro Omigawa
10. Mackens SemerzierOf course, nothing brings MMA fans closer together than a list of divisional rankings. Let’s hear it: Who belongs and who doesn’t? And be sure to say why. “He sucks” is not a valid argument.
Source: MMA Interplay
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December 13, 2009
UFC 109 Relentless
TWO LEGENDS COLLIDE AT UFC® 109 AS COUTURE TAKES ON COLEMAN
PLUS JOSH KOSCHECK vs. PAULO THIAGO II
ANTONIO ROGERIO NOGUEIRA vs. BRANDON VERA
NATE MARQUARDT vs. CHAEL SONNEN
MATT SERRA vs. FRANK TRIGGSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010
Live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center – Tickets on Sale Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. PT
Las Vegas
, NV (USA) – In 1998, two of the United States’ greatest amateur wrestlers - Randy “The Natural” Couture and Mark “The Hammer” Coleman - were scheduled to meet in a relatively new proving ground called the Ultimate Fighting Championship. That mixed martial arts bout at UFC 17 never happened due to injury, but on Saturday, February 6th, nearly 12 years and six UFC championships later, Couture and Coleman finally square off at UFC 109: Relentless, presented by Bud Light and live on pay-per-view from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev., for a colossal meeting of Hall of Famers over a decade in the making.Plus, red-hot welterweight contender Josh Koscheck gets a chance to avenge his lone knockout loss against Brazil’s Paulo Thiago in the co-main event, along with pivotal showdowns featuring Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Brandon Vera, Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen and Matt Serra vs. Frank Trigg.
“Couture vs. Coleman is one of those dream matchups that fans have always talked about,” said UFC President Dana White. “And when you consider that these are two of the greatest wrestlers turned mixed martial artists ever, and it’s the first time that two guys who have already earned their way into the UFC Hall of Fame are fighting each other, this is not only an intriguing matchup, but a historic one.”
Tickets for UFC 109 are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges, and go on sale Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. PT at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at UFC.com, www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Thursday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. PT via www.UFC.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Friday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through www.UFC.com.
UFC 109 will be available live on pay-per-view on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 ($49.95/Canada) for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).
A five-time UFC champion who has reached the top of the mountain in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions, the ageless Randy Couture (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over light heavyweight contender Brandon Vera at UFC 105 in November, and with 14 career UFC wins over the likes of Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Vitor Belfort, Pedro Rizzo and Tim Sylvia, “The Natural” is used to facing the best of the best. On February 6th, he will finally get his opportunity to take on “The Hammer”.
“Mark Coleman is another classic matchup for me,” said Couture. “Like (Antonio Rodrigo) Nogueira, this is a fight that was supposed to happen a long time ago and is finally now a reality. Mark has a tremendous wrestling pedigree, and his collegiate and freestyle background has taken him a long way in MMA. I look forward to testing my skills and fighting spirit against another UFC Hall of Fame fighter.”
The Godfather of Ground and Pound, Mark Coleman (fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) used that strategy to earn the first UFC heavyweight championship and a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. A former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler at Ohio State now fighting at light heavyweight, “The Hammer” returned to the Octagon in 2009 after a successful career in Japan with a memorable battle against Mauricio Rua and a victory over Stephan Bonnar, and on February 6th, he will begin his quest for a title at 205 pounds as he takes on fellow legend Randy Couture.
“This is by far the biggest fight of my career,” Coleman said. “I have nothing but respect both inside and outside of the Octagon for Randy Couture. He is one of the greatest in the history of MMA. It’s an honor to accept this challenge to fight him and a win here would be one of the top highlights of my career. I expect to win, and will prepare for a war. I will do all I can to make this an exciting fight for the fans.”
A fighter willing to fight anyone at anytime, Josh Koscheck (fighting out of Fresno, Calif.) is coming off one of the biggest wins of his career, as he made a statement to the welterweight division by submitting rising star Anthony Johnson at UFC 106. But the 32-year-old former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler is not about to rest on his laurels; instead he will look for a dose of redemption against Paulo Thiago
as he continues on his road to a world title shot.“I am training super hard right now,” Koscheck said. “This is a big fight for me because I lost the first time. I fought him last February and I’m fighting him again this February but this time I am going to be the one knocking him out. I promise you this fight will not go out of the first round.”
A decorated grappler with knockout power, 28-year-old Paulo Thiago (fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) made his name on the international scene with his first round TKO of Koscheck in February 2009, and after a memorable battle with Jon Fitch and a victory over Jacob Volkmann last year, Thiago looks to kick off his 2010 campaign in style by repeating his spectacular win over “Kos”.
"Josh Koscheck is and will always be a dangerous fighter to be faced no matter what," said Thiago. "I'm pretty sure he's coming for this fight hungry for victory and more aware and focused than the first time we fought. That's what I'm expecting and prepared for. I've been building my own strategies and correcting mistakes as well. Do you know what that means? We both are not the same and don't fight like we used to. We've improved our games in such a way that this is going to be the turning point to make this fight one of the most exciting ones to be seen this year, so nobody should miss it!"
Source: UFC
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November 27, 2009
KOS IS QUICKLY BECOMING A MONSTER THAT NEEDS HIS DAY OF RECKONING
Nov-22-2009UFC 106 Musings
For years, Josh Koscheck has been on the cusp of a 170-lb title shot. I’d argue that there is no other welterweight in the UFC who has accomplished more without receiving a chance at the division’s ultimate prize. Kos should be next in line. His impressive victory over Anthony Johnson was a vivid reminder of his place on the food chain.
I know that Dan Hardy is next up by virtue of his win over Mike Swick at UFC 105. I’ll disagree with Kos for a moment. Hardy is a very credible opponent for GSP’s next title defense. Beating Swick gives him that credibility, since Swick was universally regarded as being one of the top contenders in the division.
None of that alters Kos’s standing in the division, though. For my money, Kos should be next up after Hardy. I’m quite sure that he would be willing to fight whomever else the UFC believes is deserving of that spot in a title eliminator on the televised undercard of GSP-Hardy. Kos has the confidence in his own skills to participate in such an eliminator.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. Kos will hold the UFC Welterweight Championship at some point in his career. I know that GSP is one of the greatest fighters in the world, across all weight classes. But nobody is unbeatable. Kos has the right blend of skills to end GSP’s reign. I’m not suggesting that Kos should be a betting favorite against the champion. I’m suggesting that he has the best opportunity of anyone in the division to score an upset victory over GSP. I’m also suggesting that if GSP decides to vacate the division in favor of the land 15 lbs to the north, then Kos is my odds on favorite to assume GSP’s tyrannical rule over the division.
Source: UFC
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November 27, 2009
If no title shot, Josh Koscheck wants another fight soon
Unable to move past Dan Hardy, Koscheck wants another opportunity to prove himself
Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 | 3:36 a.m.
Following his highlight-reel finish of Anthony Johnson by a second-round submission, Josh Koscheck got on the microphone and argued he should be next to receive the next title shot at welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre.
Problem: The UFC had already announced that Dan Hardy would be the next challenge to St. Pierre’s throne.
Can’t blame a guy for trying.
“I had thought about doing it before I got out there,” said Koscheck, on his decision to call out Hardy who was sitting ringside. “But obviously the UFC has plans for him to fight St. Pierre and I’m not concerned with that.
“A title shot for me isn’t going to happen so I’m just going to keep fighting.”
Hardy was less than cordial in his responses to Koscheck’s outburst. Hardy dismissed the fighter as being inconsistent and made crying gestures towards the Octagon while he plead his case.
“The thing about Josh Koscheck is that he’s got a lot of potential but he’s inconsistent,” Hardy said. “He’s kind of like a (expletive) that won’t flush away. He’ll lose a fight and then come back. I guess I don’t mind, I never get sick of seeing that guy get punched in the face.”
Hardy, who has never been known to back down from a bit of trash-talk, was likely just defending what’s his — a title shot that he earned by defeating all four opponents he’s faced in the UFC.
While the Brit’s description of Koscheck was maybe a little harsh, he may have a point.
Prior to Saturday, Koscheck had lost two of his last four fights and has already lost to St. Pierre once in his career.
Koscheck actually is quick to admit this and says that his current focus is improving his striking skills while fighting as much as the UFC will allow him.
“Right now, I’m concerned with getting back into the gym and improving,” Koscheck said. “If I’m not fighting St. Pierre, then let’s line them up. I already told (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva I want 10-to-12 fights next year.
“I’d rather be out there entertaining than in the gym. Hopefully I can get on a five or six-fight win streak and they’ll think I’m ready for the title.”
With the kind of night Koscheck had on Saturday, it’s no wonder he’s ready to fight as much as possible.
Despite an unfortunate three breaks in the action due to inadvertent eye pokes, Koscheck’s fight with Johnson earned him $70,000 bonuses each with Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night honors.
UFC president Dana White, who has clashed with Koscheck on matters outside of the Octagon before, said he was most impressed with Koscheck’s willingness to continue fighting and push the tempo after getting poked in the eye the first time.
“There was clearly an eye poke. After Johnson threw the illegal knee you could see on the replay the knee missed but Johnson’s pinkie went into his eye,” White said. “When the doctor came out to look, Koscheck could barely keep his eye open but he said, ‘I want to fight.’
“He got his eye to where he could continue and as soon as the fight started, he went after it and started dominating the round.”
According to Koscheck, there are only about two or three welterweights that stand a decent chance at taking St. Pierre’s belt.
Although Koscheck admitted to liking to Hardy’s style of fighting and energetic approach, he didn’t include the Brit’s name as a likely threat to knock off the champion.
After watching Saturday’s fight, Hardy said that maybe it wasn’t a bad thing that Koscheck called for him.
It might just be a little bit too soon.
“Hopefully I’ll get to fight Koscheck in the future,” he said. “And it will be a title defense when I’m doing it.”
Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or brett.okamoto@lasvegassun.com.
Source: Las Vegas Sun
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October 28, 2009
KOSCHECK TO FACE JOHNSON IN UFC 106 CO-MAIN EVENT
The UFC has added a co-main event fight between welterweights Josh Koscheck and Anthony (Rumble) Johnson to UFC 106 on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas.
The UFC was forced to move the previous co-main event between former light-heavyweight champions Tito (The Huntington Beach Bad Boy) Ortiz and Forrest Griffin up to the headline bout after Brock Lesnar withdrew this week citing illness. Lesnar had been slated to defend his heavyweight title against unbeaten challenger Shane Carwin. That fight has been pushed back to early 2010.
Johnson (8-2) is fighting on short notice after knocking out Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 104 last Saturday in Los Angeles. The good news is he didn't work up much of a sweat in the 21 seconds it took to dispatch Yoshida.
The six-foot-two welterweight has good power but has had trouble making weight and tipped the scales in L.A. at 176 pounds, five over the limit.
"Koscheck versus Johnson is a great fight and I give credit to both guys for stepping up and making a fight like this happen," UFC president Dana White said in a statement. "The amazing thing about this fight is that both Koscheck and Johnson are world-class wrestlers, but they can also knock you out with one punch."
Koscheck (14-4) also knocked out Yoshida, in December.
Source: TSN
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September 19, 2009
Koscheck uses Trigg's southpaw stance for target practice
Read this awesome blog by Steve Cofield at Cagewriter
Koscheck uses Trigg's southpaw stance for target practice
Sometimes being a lefty is a disadvantage facing a conventional fighter especially one as right-hand heavy as Josh Koscheck. Frank Trigg got in a few shots on Koscheck early in the fight but dropped his jab hand for a second and that's all it took. Koscheck bounced a looping right off the top of Trigg's head. "Twinkletoes" froze in his tracks and took another straight right in his grill. Down he went. Trigg was on queer street. Koscheck forced referee Leon Roberts to jump in to save Trigg at 1:25 of the first round.
The win gets Koscheck back in the title hunt for Georges St. Pierre's welterweight title belt. Koscheck (13-4, 11-4 UFC) dropped a 2007 fight via decision against GSP. This win erases the shocking knockout loss at the hands of Paulo Thiago back in February.
This was Trigg's first fight in the UFC since 2005. Trigg, 37, twice challenged for Matt Hughes UFC welterweight title. He is now 2-4 in the UFC. Seconds afte the stoppage, it appeared Trigg was imploring matchmaker Joe Silva to give him another UFC fight. He signed a four-fight deal during the summer, but without a win in his next UFC fight, the book on his career with the promotion could be closed.
Source: Cagewriter
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September 19, 2009
UFC 103: KOSCHECK GIVES TRIGG A RUDE WELCOME BACK
Saturday, September 19, 2009 - by Damon Martin - MMAWeekly.com
It was a rude welcome back to the UFC for former top contender Frank Trigg on Saturday night as American Kickboxing Academy stand-out Josh Koscheck ended his night and return to the Octagon with a vicious TKO in the first round.
It was clear in the early going that the two former All-American wrestlers were going to test the stand-up and avoid much ground work. Trigg actually snapped the first solid punch of the night with a straight punch that put Koscheck on his heels after a brief exchange.
Trigg continued to move forward as Koscheck tried to get his distance and timing down, and once he did the end came quickly and violently.
The former Edinboro wrestler hit Trigg with a clubbing blow that staggered his opponent, and Koscheck quickly followed up with a powerful right hand that that sent Trigg crashing to the canvas.
Koscheck followed up with a few unanswered shots that sent referee Leon Roberts flying in for the save. Trigg bounced back to his feet quickly protesting the stoppage, but the replay showed little resistance from the Las Vegas based fighter after eating a few punches from Koscheck.
After an extended layoff due to a foot injury, Koscheck was happy to get back in action, and even happier following the TKO win.
"To get back on the winning ways is awesome," Koscheck said with excitement following the win. "This is what I've been training for, I'm super motivated right now, thank you Texas, 2-0 baby!"
Known as a fighter who never turns down an opponent, Koscheck for possibly the first time in his career asked for a particular opponent in his next bout if the UFC chooses to appease him.
"I know there's a guy that just signed a new contract his name's Matt Hughes, I've been asking for that for a long time. Joe, Dana?" Koscheck stated. "If not that I don't care who I fight to be honest. I'll fight anyone, anytime, any place, I'll fight every month."Source: MMAWeekly.com
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September 19, 2009
UFC 103 Results: Josh Koscheck Demolishes Frank Trigg Easily
Josh Koscheck is back ladies and gentleman.
While a war of words (mostly from Koscheck) seemed to indicate the battle could be heated, it wasn't in the cards for Twinkle Toes. This one was all Koscheck.
After an early feeling out period, Koscheck was able to connect with what appeared to be a shot that landed on the back on Trigg's head. From there, a dazed Trigg absorbed a straight right that dropped him to the canvas.The punch looked eerily similar to the punch Koscheck used to flatten Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC Fight Night: Fight for the Troops.
Koscheck followed up with punches from a borderline prostrate Trigg that eventually forced referee Leon Roberts to stop the contest at 1:25 of the first round.
Koscheck called out UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes, which could be a highly entertaining bout and an interesting welterweight clash.
Source: Bloody Elbow
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September 19, 2009
(According to Josh Koscheck,) Josh Koscheck is Back
(According to Josh Koscheck,) Josh Koscheck is Back
Saturday, September 19th, 2009 at 11:00 am
by Neal TaflingerJosh Koscheck’s usual laid-back skate kid, beach-going style is nowhere to be found.
The welterweight’s training partner Matt Major, who stumbles to the ring floor at the American Kickboxing Academy multiple times thanks to Koscheck’s flurries. “We fight in here,” Koscheck says. “I’m fighting guys that are high level guys three days a week. I have a fifteen-minute fight every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”
It sure looks like a fight. And for every resonating head shot and chop-down body punch, there’s footwork and head movement that keeps Koscheck just an inch away from Major’s punches—a reminder fights can be more aesthetically pleasing than the violent slams that drive Major to the mat.
“For this camp, it’s been 15 hard weeks. I’ve been training since February. I didn’t really take too much time off,” says Koscheck. His last Octagon appearance was in February at UFC 95 when debuting Paulo Thiago, an unknown jiu-jitsu black belt, scored a technical knockout over the explosive wrestler. A camp nearly four months long is worth the payoff explains Koscheck on his last day of hard training.
“At times it was great, at times it was like, ‘Oh man, I have eight more weeks, or six more weeks or five more weeks. But today it came together in sparring,” he says. “I’m really happy with where I’m at. If I, if the Josh Koscheck that showed up for training today shows up on Saturday, its gonna be a quick fight.”
It’s been seven months since Koscheck was in a UFC bout. It’s a far cry from the five fights in under a year he battled in prior to losing to Thiago. He wants to return to such a high work rate inside the Octagon, however, the time away allowed him to open his own gym—American Kickboxing Academy in Koscheck’s home of Fresno, Calif. He also focused on his strength and conditioning, putting the loss to rest with a “that’s life” approach.
He was following the game plan because he wasn’t going to take a black belt to the ground. It was working too. He simply got caught, probably because he was “too relaxed.”
Koscheck will be alert and ready when he faces Frank Trigg at UFC 103 in Dallas, Tex., at the American Airlines Center. “Everything I’ve done up until now when I come into the cage on Saturday and put a beat down on Frank Trigg, they’re gonna be like ‘Wow, this kid’s back,’” he says.
Koscheck began making his name in the UFC in late 2005 just as Trigg was exiting the promotion. Despite Trigg’s time away, Koscheck expects a formidable opponent, but that doesn’t mean he’s not ready to smash him.
“I’m gonna come out and be fast, with the strength and conditioning that I’ve been doing over the time that I was a little injured,” he says. “I got a lot stronger. I got a lot faster. My punches are harder. My kicks are harder, my knees, everything is harder. I’m really, really excited to get in there and fight.”
Source: FIGHT! Magazine
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August 25, 2009
Q&A with Josh Kosckeck
Check out the Q&A with Josh about UFC 103 and more ...
What are your thoughts on your upcoming opponent, Frank Trigg?
I think Frank Trigg is a good fighter he always shows up to fight his ass off. He is a south paw and has good wrestling and boxing! Should be a fun fight for both of us. I am looking forward to getting a big win in Dallas, Texas over Frank.
Describe a typical day of training for this fight...
Training for this fight with Frank, I have been working on alot of bjj, strength, cardio and wrestling! I wake up and train at 8:30am with cardio and drills for 45 mins. Get some rest then come back to the gym at 11:45am to get ready to spar with guys like Mike Swick, Jon Fitch, Josh Thomson, Nate More, Nate James, Ron Kesler, and the other AKA fighters. So I have a 3 round fight every M-W-F with these guys. When it comes fight time, I have fought Frank Trigg 100's of times. After midday training, I get lunch and head over to score clinic to get adjusted and a massage. Then home for a napper... After napper I head back to the gym for my last workout around 7:30 pm. This workout is cardio or BJJ or some pad work with my Muay Thai coach or boxing coach. This training session lasts about 1 hour 30 mins. After that I am all done with training. I head home and get dinner and hottub and get into bed and sleep so I can do it all over again the next day!
Training team for this fight?
I train with the AKA fight team.
What are you doing on your free time in training camp?
My free time??? I am sleeping. Haha... with 3 workouts a day there is not much free time, but I watch movies and call my biz parther and bug the living shit out of him.
How's your new gym?
My new AKA Fresno gym is kicking ass... Fresno has been my home for the past 6 years. I love that place. My gym is the best place in Fresno to train MMA. I have 2 black belts in BJJ, 2 world class boxing coaches and a world class Muay Thai coach along with the best local fighters in Fresno. I have to thank everyone who helped out with opening the gym.... It came out sick - God I am truly happy about being AKA to Fresno.
What's next for you?
As of right now I am only focused on one thing that's fighting Frank Trigg Sept. 19 at UFC 103 in Dallas, Texas. I can't look past him for one sec. I would like to just win this fight and go home and rest my body and fight again before the end of the year. But let's focus on Frank first.
Well anything you want to get across to your fans?
I would like to thank my fans for backing me up over the years. It's been a fun ride with highs and lows. Let’s tune in Sept. 19th for another page in the Kos book. I am fighting and training hard to put on a show and come time those cage doors close behind me, I am fighting for everyone that has been there for me!!!!!!
Xoxo KOS
Source: KosMMA.com
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August 2, 2009
Fresno Bee Reports on AKA Fresno's Grand Opening
Fresnobee.com Reports: "Fresno's fascination with mixed martial arts appears to be growing with the opening of American Kickboxing Academy Fresno, a new fitness gym specializing in the sport.
AKA Fresno, at 3069 W. Bullard Ave., is being launched by MMA fighter Josh Koscheck and Jason Craft, a Wall Street stockbroker and former collegiate wrestler.
The two men met through mutual friend DeWayne Zinkin, who manages Koscheck and other MMA fighters.
"This is something we have been talking about for some time, and as Josh's name grew in popularity, we knew this would be a good time to do this," Zinkin said.
The new 6,000-square-foot gym will provide training in specialities including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, muay thai, boxing and children's wrestling and mixed martial arts.
AKA Fresno is one of three AKA gyms in the U.S.; the original is in San Jose.Source: Fresno Bee
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July 15, 2009
Josh Koscheck's Next Fight
Josh "Kos" Koscheck will fight Frank Trigg in his next fight just announced: UFC 103 on September 19th in Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center.
Purchase your tickets now on sale at ticketmaster.com.
Also scheduled to fight are:
Tyson Griffin vs. Hermes Franca, Mike Swick vs. Martin Kampmann, Efrain Escudero vs. Cole Mille.Source: www.kosmma.com
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June 24, 2009
Koscheck's AKA American-Kickboxing-Academy Fresno
Come Train with the Best: Koscheck's AKA American-Kickboxing-Academy Fresno
3069 West Bullard Ave.
Fresno, CA 93711
Ph# 559-431-4290
Fax# 559-431-4638
aka@kosmma.com
AKA Fresno specializes in the following:
* Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
* Children’s Mixed Martial Arts
* Kickboxing and Muay Thai
* Adult Mixed Martial Arts
* Kids Wrestling Club
* Boxing
Each discipline is taught by world-class instructors in our professional-grade facility located in beautiful Fresno, California. AKA Fresno has a wide range of class offerings, including Saturday and Sunday classes, tailored to fit your schedule.Source: www.kosmma.com
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June 4, 2009
Kos in Talks to Take On Trigg or Hughes
From MMAMania.com, top-ranked welterweight contender, Josh Koscheck (12-4), and former number one division contender, Frank Trigg (19-6), are in talks to battle it out for 170-pound supremacy at UFC 103 on Sept. 26.
MMAmania.com learned about the likely match up; however, a venue is still unknown at this time (locations in the United Kingdom and Las Vegas are under consideration) for the event. In addition, nine-time division kingpin, Matt Hughes, is also lurking in the shadows as a possible opponent for Koscheck … albeit on the outside.
Stay tuned right here at kosmma.com for details as soon as they are available!Source: MMA Mania
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May 21, 2009
New Audio Blog and AKA Fresno Gym Info!
New Kos Audio Blog about his latest injury, as well as current training and fight in September. Also, new info on Koscheck's AKA Fresno Gym. Check it out.
Source: www.kosmma.com
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May 19, 2009
How to Get an Autographed Pic of Kos
Want an autographed 8 x10 photo of Kos? Just send an 8 x 10 self-addressed, pre-paid envelope to:
Kos Autograph c/o Zinkin Entertainment
5 River Park Place West, Suite 203
Fresno, CA 93720
Source: www.kosmma.com
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May 10, 2009
Josh Koscheck at Harley-Davidson in Lathrop, CA
Come meet Kos on Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 2:00pm-4:30pm at the Eagle's Nest Harley-Davidson in Lathrop, CA!
Eagle's Nest Harley-Davidson
13900 Harlan Road
Lathrop, CA 95330
Phone: 209-941-0420Source: www.kosmma.com
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April 12, 2009
Josh Koscheck Interview with the People's Defender
Josh Koscheck talked to the People's Defender about his career in the UFC, a typical night of playing blackjack for 12 hours, his thoughts on a few other fighters, his mentors, and more.
When asked what a typical night out is like for him, Koscheck answered, "It would be kind of boring. For the past two years or so I haven't partied, haven't drank or done anything. A typical night out would be to cruise over to Vegas and pretty much play blackjack for about 12 hours."
He also shared that he needs oatmeal in the morning to get ready to train, that the worst job he ever had was washing cars, and that he likes every kind of music except country.
Click "See More" to continue.
Source: The People's Defender
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April 12, 2009
Josh Koscheck to be Featured in "UFC 2009 Undisputed" Video Game
The full roster of fighters has been unveiled for the highly anticipated May release of "UFC 2009 Undisputed," a video game for XBox 360 and PlayStation 3 made by THQ.
More than 80 fighters will appear in the debut version of the game, which will be the most realistic MMA video game ever developed, according to THQ.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin is featured on the cover of the US version, and welterweight title-holder Georges St. Pierre is on the Canadian version.
The welterweight category includes fighters Josh Koscheck, Thiago Alves, Matt Arroyo, Kyle Bradley, Josh Burkman, Marcus Davis, Jon Fitch, Matt Hughes, Anthony Johnson, Chris Lytle, Karo Parisyan, Diego Sanchez, Ben Saunders, Matt Serra, Georges St. Pierre, and Mike Swick.
Source: KosMMA.com
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February 23, 2009
Kos's UFC 95 Thoughts
February 24, 2009
My thoughts on UFC 95...
First and foremost I would like to say thank you to all of my fans for their support, I really do appreciate it!
As for UFC 95...YES, I would have liked to see the ref let the fight go on a little bit more because we are all fighters and we fight until the end. Yes, I got hit hard, but felt as though I could have recovered if I had the chance. As for next time, my message to all the refs would be to please let the fight go until I'm put out to sleep...Just so I don't have the thought of "what if" going through my mind and probably the minds of all of you, my fans.
I took this fight just as if I was fighting the number one fighter in the weight class. I felt like I did everything right in the training camp to win this fight. I was in great shape, but sometimes you still come up short in life even when I have put my whole life on hold for a chance to put everything on the line in the cage for 15 minutes. I don't think I could have done anything different in training camp to make the outcome go my way, so I guess that's life.
Click "See More" to continue.
Source: KosMMA.com
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January 12, 2009
Top 30 Fights of 2008: #6
Josh Koscheck is arguably the most improved fighter to hail out of the now infamous Ultimate Fighter house. Sure, Rashad Evans and Forrest Griffin have been and have become champions since their stints on the show, and few others have challenged for titles, but none have evolved as much as Koscheck.
At the end of the inaugural season of the Ultimate Fighter, Kos was for the most part a very one dimensional, limited wrestler. Don't be fooled, he was a highly skilled and highly decorated wrestler, but primarily a wrestler nonetheless. He was content with grinding out decisions, ripping people down to the canvas with his incredible shoot and holding them there, helpless until the bell rang.
Times have changed, however. The Josh Koscheck of old has passed away with the times, and we've seen the incredible adaptation of an ambitious, young fighter to the sport of mixed martial arts. Fans have been lucky enough to watch the development of a young martial artist into a highly skilled modern MMA competitor.
At UFC: Fight for the Troops, the culmination of three years worth of training and fighting were put on display, as we saw the best, most mature Josh Koscheck to date. After years of sub-par striking and three round lay and pray bouts, Kos rose to the occasion and produced what was probably the most brutal knockout of 2008.Click "See More" to continue.
Source: MMATorch.com
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January 12, 2009
Kos is back at UFC 95
Kos will be fighting on UFC 95 Feb. 21 at London's O2 Arena. Kos will be fighting newcomer Paulo Thiago (7-0).
"Koscheck will be fighting on the London, England card and is looking forward to his opponent," representatives of Zinkin Management told MMAWeekly.com on Monday.
Since his time on the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter," Koscheck has built himself into one of the top fighters in the welterweight division.
Stepping up on short notice, Koscheck dropped a decision to Thiago Alves in October. Never one to back out of a commitment, he returned in December for an already scheduled bout and knocked out Yoshida in their headliner.
His potential opponent, Paulo Thiago, is a tough Brazilian fighter who has spent his career working primarily with the Jungle Fight promotion.
Source: MMA Weekly
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December 16, 2008
UFC Fight for the Troops Raises More than 4 Million
Spike TV and the Ultimate Fighting Championship announced Tuesday that its "UFC Fight for the Troops" event last week in Fayetteville, NC in front of 15,000 Fort Bragg troops raised more than 4 million for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund's (IFHF) new medical center to be built in Bethesda.
According to Bill White, President of the IFHF, UFC and Spike TV should be applauded for their efforts.
"We are profoundly grateful to the UFC and Spike TV for their extraordinary support of our nation's Wounded Warriors," White said. "Their efforts have moved us that much closer to completing the traumatic brain injury center in Bethesda for the service members that are fighting for us overseas.
Click "See More" to continue.
Source: Spike TV
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December 11, 2008
Koscheck KO's Yoshida on UFC Fight Night
Perhaps more than in any prior fight, former All-America wrestler Josh Koscheck demonstrated how much he's added to his arsenal since taking up MMA just a few years ago by knocking Yoshiyuki Yoshida out cold with two successive right hands in North Carolina on Wednesday night.
The two welterweights faced off in the main event of the special "Fight for the Troops" fundraising UFC Fight Night card on Spike TV, and Koscheck punctuated a meaningful and exciting night with a first round knockout after landing a right cross to Yoshida's jaw that left Judoka out on his feet. A subsequent overhand right dropped him to the mat unconscious.
The stoppage came at 2:15 of the first round for Koscheck (13-3), who fought for the second time in just over forty days and for the fourth time in the past ten months. His prior bout was a decision loss to Thiago Alves in late October, which Koscheck took on short notice to replace fellow TUF1 alum Diego Sanchez.
Since beginning to train in MMA only months before his stint on the first "Ultimate Fighter" season back in 2005, Koscheck has steadily added dangerous submission and striking abilities to his game and the dramatic stoppage of Yoshida (10-2) may be the best demonstration of Koscheck's well-rounded skills yet.
Source: Fox Sports on MSN
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November 25, 2008
Five Ounces of Pain: Koscheck Eyes Added Significance vs. Yoshida
Despite having just competed on Oct. 25 in a unanimous decision loss to Thiago Alves at UFC 90, welterweight Josh Koscheck is all set to return to action on Dec. 10 during "UFC Fight Night 16: UFC Fight for the Troops."
Koscheck will be headlining the show against Judo specialist Yoshiyuki Yoshida in a match that will have a great deal of ramifications involved pertaining to the former NCAA wrestling standout's standing in the welterweight division.
However, the event, which will air on Spike TV as a three-hour special, holds even greater significance as the event is being held to help raise funds for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The Intrepid Fund is a charity supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families.
During a recent interview with CBSSports.com, Koscheck not only addressed his health coming out of the Alves fight but talked about what it means to him to be involved with an event such as UFN 16.
Click "See More" to continue.
Source: CBS Sports MMA
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October 28, 2008
UFC 90 results
In the co-main event, Thiago Alves (22-4) established himself as a welterweight contender with a unanimous decision over Josh Koscheck (13-3), who took the fight on short notice and was never able to take the fight to the ground.
Alves had Koscheck in trouble with an early knockdown and effectively jabbed and kicked through the first round, keeping the accomplished wrestler at bay. Alves again dropped Koscheck early in the third round.
Late in the third, a desperate Koscheck charged Alves but was beaten back by a barrage of punches. The crowd roared at the end, drowning out the horn for the end of the fight.
Koscheck replaced Diego Sanchez on the card after Sanchez suffered a rib injury two weeks ago. The "man you love to hate," in the words of UFC commentator Joe Rogan at the weigh-in, recovered well from the hard shots but couldn't find a way past Alves' fists. He's due to fight again in December on UFC's "Fight for the Troops" card near Fort Bragg.
"I plan on fighting in December," Koscheck said. "I'm injury-free and ready to fight."
"Josh looked awesome tonight," said UFC president Dana White. "People were actually cheering for Koscheck tonight if you can believe that one."Source: USAToday
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October 13, 2008
Diego Sanchez Injured, Kos to Face Thiago Alves at UFC 90
UFC announced tonight that Diego Sanchez tore cartilage in his ribs and has been pulled out of his Oct. 25 match with Thiago Alves at UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote. Luckily, they have a fellow 170-pounder who was willing to accept the challenge.
The UFC has announced a change to next weekend's UFC 90 card, with Josh Koscheck now scheduled to fight Thiago Alves in a very good welterweight match-up.
Alves was previously scheduled to fight Diego Sanchez, but Sanchez withdrew because he suffered torn rib cartilage in training.Click "See More" to continue.
Source: Bleacher Report
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October 9, 2008
Koscheck vs Yoshida Headlines
UFC FIGHT FOR THE TROOPS™ EVENT ON SPIKE TV
The special live UFC® fight card will raise funds to build a hospital for traumatic brain injuries for the brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces. Thousands of soldiers from nearby Fort Bragg, the proud home of the U.S. Airborne and Special Operations Forces, will be in attendance.
The Ultimate Fighter 1 standout Koscheck (13-2) has won seven of his last eight decisions, only tasting defeat at the hands of welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre in a three-round decision last August at UFC 74. Koscheck, fighting out of Fresno, CA, is among the top contenders in the welterweight division and needs a win to continue his ascent for a potential rematch with St. Pierre. His opponent, Tokyo native Yoshiyuki “Zenko” Yoshida (10-2), has won nine straight pro mixed martial arts fights including his UFC debut last May at UFC 84 with a victory via submission with Jon Koppenhaver.
Swick (12-2), fighting out of San Jose, CA, has also won seven of his last eight bouts in the Octagon™ including a three round decision over Josh Burkman this past January in a main on Spike TV’s UFC® Fight Night™. To continue his quest for a potential title shot, he must defeat fellow welterweight contender, Jonathan Goulet (22-9, 1 NC). The hard-kicking 29-year old Canadian recently scored a TKO victory at UFC 83 over Kuniyoshi Hironaka.Click "See More" to continue.
Source: UFC.com
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October 9, 2008
Koscheck gets headline spot on 'Fight For The Troops'
By Beau Dure, USA TODAY
Josh Koscheck knows what it's like to fight a UFC bout in front of people who are trained to fight. He fought at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar two years ago in San Diego.
"It was only about 3 to 4,000 people there, but it seemed like 20,000," Koscheck says. "The Marines were stomping their feet, and they were into every single fight. … It was really cool to be in that atmosphere and see how they really appreciate what we do for a living."
Koscheck gets another chance to fight in front of a military crowd for a military cause Dec. 10 in Fayetteville, N.C., near Fort Bragg, when he fights Yoshiyuki Yoshida in the main event of "UFC Fight For The Troops," a card broadcast live on Spike (9 p.m. ET).Source: USAToday
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October 1, 2008
Koscheck Wrestling Scholarship Fund
Former NCAA Champion and 4X All American, Josh Koscheck, and Mar Clothing, LLC have produced an Edinboro Wrestling Shirt. This unique shirt is for sale at marclththing.com. All proceeds from the sale of the shirt will go to the Josh Koscheck Wrestling Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be awarded annually to an Edinboro Wrestler. Edinboro University is a small Division II school that has Division I wrestling. Edinboro competes in the prestigious Eastern Wrestling League and has matches against the likes of Ohio Stet, Penn state, West Virginia, Pitt etc. Buy a BORO Wrestling Shirt And Mar Clothing, LLC Will Donate $15.00 to the "Koscheck Wrestling Scholarship Fund."
BUY NOW by clicking on the marclothing online store link!! GO BORO!!!!!
This scholarship will help supplement the scholarship allotment at Edinboro University.
Tim Flynn
Head Coach
Edinboro WrestlingSource: KosMMA.com
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September 18, 2008
Where Does Josh Koscheck He End Up in All of This?
Josh "Kos" Koscheck is ranked No. 2 in the world among welterweight fighters. He should be fighting for the title, right? I mean, he was the first man to ever beat Diego Sanchez, who is ranked fourth in the world. Yet, nobody really knows the fate of the three-time PSAC Wrestler of The Year award winner.
Georges St. Pierre has already been asked to dance by B.J. Penn, and the fourth and fifth-ranked fighters in the world, Diego and Thiago Alves, will be fighting on Oct. 25, in a fight that may very well be for the No. 1 contender spot against the winner of GSP and Penn.
Where does this leave Koscheck?
Well, you may have noticed that I've only named four of the top five welterweights in the world. The other, No. 3, is Jon Fitch. Jon is coming off of a brutal beating at the hands of the champion and is also left without a dance partner.
Why not pit the top two fighters besides the champ against each other to determine which gets to fight the champ? Sounds reasonable, right?
Both of these guys have fought GSP, both went to the judges, and both lost unanimously. The difference is, Koscheck didn't look like he got hit by Mack Truck during the postfight interview. Both of these guys know what it's like to lose to GSP, and I'm sure both want another chance to prove they can beat him.Source: Bleacher Report
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August 31, 2008
The Ultimate Fighter reunion show in the works
MMAMania is reporting that Spike TV is currently working on a retrospective look at the hit show, “The Ultimate Fighter.” Several of the show’s fighters are currently in Las Vegas shooting for the show now.
The Ultimate Fighter has been a launching pad for some of MMA’s biggest stars including Forrest Griffin, Diego Sanchez, Josh Koscheck, Kenny Florian, Michael Bisping and Joe Stevenson.
At the time of its debut, the company was in severe financial trouble. Zuffa, LLC financed the first season in order to get exposure for the struggling company, and the reality show did just that. The season one finale fight between Griffin and Stephan Bonnar is often referred to as the most important fight in the history of the UFC. The bloody brawl made the UFC a household name and the promotion has continued to grow since then.Source: MMA Mania
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July 28, 2008
Koscheck Wants to Leave His Mar
by Danny Acosta
When Josh Koscheck wasn’t in a singlet pinning the NCAA wrestling ranks on their backs, he was longboarding and riding street bikes all over Pennsylvania. Even then, he was sporting California coastal gear, which would come to be the inspiration for his clothing line Mar.
The idea for Mar was born in 2006, and has become the fulfillment of the UFC fighter’s childhood dream: to own his own business. Hanging around with friends, the welterweight contender was struck with the idea to spearhead a clothing line. The logo and name, which in English means “to disfigure” and in Spanish means “ocean” soon followed. A lack of experience in business and fashion did not dim his outlook.
While developing a prominent mixed martial arts career, he approached his girlfriend about the idea. “You don’t know shit about clothing, what are you talking about?” she said. “Give me a year and I’ll know everything there is to know about clothing,’ he replied.
Koscheck voraciously researched licensing, screen-printing, and shipping, among other aspects of business. Looking to his manager DeWayne Zinkin Jr. as inspiration, Koscheck launched and maintained the brand through internet advertising, name-dropping in interviews, and sending free shirts to everyone from training partner Jon Fitch to former champion Chuck Liddell.
“My ultimate goal is to [sponsor] as many professional athletes as I possibly can, whether it’s surfing, snowboarding, BMX, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Soliciting the services of a Mexican-style tattoo artist named Rudeboy keeps the styles fresh, but don’t be shocked if Koscheck gets involved in the designs--he oversees everything.
www.marclothing.comSource: KosMMA.com
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July 19, 2008
Boo-boys don't worry Koscheck
by Ben Blackmore
Josh Koscheck beat Chris Lytle at “UFC 86: JACKSON vs GRIFFIN” and then told UFC fans he does not mind being the boo-boy of the welterweight division…for now.
Koscheck was in dominant form against Lytle, opening up a huge cut in round two that nearly saw the fight stopped as blood gushed from above Lytle’s eye.
This wasn’t the first impressive performance the blond-haired Koscheck has produced in recent fights, yet he still got booed before and after the fight.
His confident, sometimes cocky, attitude probably does not help, but it is that same attitude that helps him to believe he will turn the crowd in his favour in the future.
“The boos I don’t mind. I don’t want to be the in-between guy, the guy that gets nothing,” he said, after taking a unanimous points decision.
“I know I’m not a well-rounded fighter yet, but I know I’m getting there.
“I don’t mind the boos right now, but eventually they’ll see the improvement I’m making and jump over to start cheering me.”Click "See More" to continue.
Source: KosMMA.com
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July 7, 2008
Koscheck Wins at UFC 86
UFC 86 Koscheck Wins!
The night's bloodiest battle — and one of the messiest on record — was waged by the American Kickboxing Academy's Josh Koscheck and veteran Chris Lytle.
Koscheck dominated the well-liked Indianan with clean wrestling and punishing ground-and-pound against the cage en route to a unanimous decision victory. He opened three cuts on Lytle's face, including a pair of gashes above his right eye. By the end of round two, Lytle (25-16-5, 4-8 UFC) was weary and bleeding profusely. Despite the blood loss, Lytle stayed in the fight, even threatening the physically superior Koscheck with Kimura and guillotine choke attempts in the third.
The 30-year-old Koscheck (11-2, 9-2 UFC) has won six of his last seven fights, a unanimous decision loss to reigning 170-pound champion Georges St. Pierre the only blemish.
"My coaches etched out a gameplan for me, and I executed it right," said Koscheck, his blonde hair stained red. "Chris Lytle's one of the classiest fighters in the UFC. I have a lot of respect for him as a fighter and as a person.Source: KosMMA.com
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July 7, 2008
Koscheck ready for next step
Waynesburg native Josh Koscheck will attempt to take another step toward becoming a champion in mixed martial arts fighting when he faces Chris Lytle Saturday in Las Vegas as part of UFC-86, which will be shown on pay per view.
Koscheck is coming off of a second-round TKO of Dustin Hazelett in Columbus, Ohio in March.
Lytle, who owns a 35-14-4 record, will be a big test for Koscheck. With more than 50 career MMA fights under his belt, he'll have a huge edge in ring experience over Koscheck, who has a 13-2 record.
"My goal isn't to get into a position to challenge for the title, my goal is to win the title - but right now my short-term goal is to beat Chris Lytle," Koscheck told UFC.com. "He's the next guy that I've got to fight, and I can't look past him because he's a tough guy. He's had almost 50 fights. So for me, I've got to win one fight at a time and, hopefully, get an opportunity in the future to get a chance to redeem a loss to Georges St-Pierre or whoever has that belt."
St-Pierre defeated Koscheck in a unanimous decision last August and has since gone on to claim the welterweight championship - a fact that is certainly not lost on the 30-year-old Koscheck.
Koscheck realizes that if he had beaten St-Pierre in that match, it could very well be him holding the title belt. And that remains his ultimate goal.
The fight is on the undercard of the main event, a light heavyweight title bout between Forrest Griffin and champion Quinton Jackson. But Koscheck's fight is the sixth on the 10-fight card, meaning it will definitely be part of the pay-per-view telecast.Source: KosMMA.com
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July 2, 2008
Changing Face, Koschek Ready For UFC 86
Growing up is hard to do. It’s even harder when you’re growing up in front of millions of people on television. But that’s exactly what Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight Josh Koscheck did as a member of the cast for the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show.
Coming onto the show, Koscheck only had a handful of fights and an impressive resume that included an NCAA championship in wrestling at Edinboro University in 2001. What he learned on the show was a first hand lesson in the world of MMA and how reality shows can soon become a reality after the filming is finished.
During the show’s filming, Koscheck became everyone’s favorite bad guy, taunting and prodding at housemate Chris Leben, until the two finally fought on the show. When he won the fight, Koscheck’s intensity only seemed to grow while his protagonists kept at him before and after the season ended.
Now entering his 13th professional fight, facing veteran Chris Lytle at UFC 86 on Saturday night, Koscheck understands that how the fans perceive him could make or break his career as a successful mixed martial artist.
“TV can give you a false sense of who a person is,” Koscheck stated. “So for me it’s all about turning fans around and really showing these fans who I really am as a person. That’s one of the big things I’m trying to do.”Source: MMA Weekly
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June 27, 2008
Giving the Welterweight division "Kos" for concern
As Josh Koscheck prepares for his fight at UFC 86 against Chris Lytle, there’s no secret as to what is expected from him. Koscheck is already one of the top fighters in the world in the welterweight division despite only having 15 professional fights.
Kos made his debut in the UFC on The Ultimate Fighter: Season One. The show would share the very best and worst of Koscheck. He was shown as a dedicated friend and teammate in helping Bobby Southworth cut weight for a fight. Along with Southworth, Koscheck also showed his immaturity when the two ran a water hose on a sleeping Chris Leben that escalated into Leben busting up his hand and most of the house.
Since being on the show, Koscheck has amassed an 8-2 record in the Octagon. He holds wins over Diego Sanchez and Dustin Hazelett. The biggest fight of his career came last August when he faced Georges St-Pierre. GSP dominated Koscheck all three rounds. It was thought that GSP would have difficulty taking Koscheck to the ground due to Koscheck’s background as a four-time All-American wrestler. St-Pierre had no such problems and Koscheck realized just how far away he is from being the best.Click "See More" to continue.
Source: MVN.com
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May 30, 2008
MMA Mania Exclusive Chat with Josh Koscheck
UFC welterweight fighter Josh Koscheck recently signed a new multi-fight contract that ensures he will remain on the 170-pound roster for the near future.
It’s a deal more than three years in the making after the former NCAA wrestling champion recently satisfied his three-year, 10-fight contract following a stint on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 1 mixed martial arts reality series.
“I’m really happy to be with the UFC,” Koscheck recently told MMAmania.com. “It was an easy decision. There was no shopping around or anything like that. It was just a matter of getting a good deal that works out for me and for the organization.”
While fighting under his old contract, “Kos” compiled an impressive record (8-2) and could have earned serious consideration as a title challenger if he defeated Georges St. Pierre at UFC 74: “Respect” back in August 2007.
He didn’t, losing via unanimous decision to the Canadian. The defeat has now lit a fire under the Pennsylvania native and he’s eager to climb back up to the top of the ladder rung by rung.
“I feel I still have a lot to prove to the fans,” Koscheck said. “That’s my plan. I want to prove to everyone that I’m evolving as a fighter and work my way back up to that title shot.”Source: MMA Mania
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May 30, 2008
Koscheck has re-signed with the UFC
This was a good move for both the UFC and Koscheck. The UFC was wise to hold on to a blue-chipper like Koscheck, and they can always claim him as a member of the original Ultimate Fighter group. "Kos" has clearly shown hints of brilliance in his young career and I will be surprised if the AKA product doesn't fight for UFC Welterweight gold at some point in the next few years. Given his bright future, and that the golden-fro'd one just ended his initial contract, look for Koscheck to be fighting on UFC 86, July 5th.
Source: KosMMA.com
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April 27, 2008
Visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Top UFC welterweight contenders, Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck, took time away from training and their busy schedules to visit with wounded war veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, last week.
Both fighters — American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) stablemates — are sponsored by Oak Grove Technologies, which set up the visit, meet-and-greet and autograph session.
“Jon and Josh signed t-shirts for the soldiers, chatted with them, joked around, posed for pictures and then after the job fair we all went to visit soldiers at the Malone House,” said Mariah Haworth, Marketing Coordinator at Oak Grove Technologies. “It was really nice to see all the smiles.”
We’ll have more on this outreach as soon as possible … it’s truly great stuff.
For now it’s back to training — Koscheck has a tough fight coming up against Chris Lytle at UFC 86: “Jackson vs. Griffin” on July 5 and Fitch more than likely has a looming showdown with reigning UFC Welterweight Champion, Georges St. Pierre, later this year.Source: KosMMA.com
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April 1, 2008
Koscheck Signs New UFC Deal; Lytle Next
The MMA free agency pool got a bit shallower just recently after former “Ultimate Fighter” season one participant Josh Koscheck signed a new contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Koscheck was at the end of his previous deal after defeating Dustin Hazelett at UFC 82. The decision to re-sign was easy according to the fighter.
“Basically my decision to stay with the UFC is because I’ve been with them for the past three years. They’ve invested time and money in me, and for me it’s the best organization right now. It’s pretty much always been the best organization in the U.S. Now they’re the best in the world,” said Koscheck recently on MMAWeekly Radio. “So for me, it was a no-brainer. They have the best fighters; they have the best promotion and the best show. So that’s where I want to be.”Click "See More" to continue.
Source: MMA Weekly
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March 7, 2008
Kos looking for title shot in near future
by Jeff Cain - MMAWeekly.com
Following his UFC 82 victory over Dustin Hazelett, Josh Koscheck became a free agent; but the Top Ten ranked welterweight expects to re-sign with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and work his way into title contention.
"I'm pretty sure I'm going to be with the UFC," said The Ultimate Fighter season one alumnus. "I know my manager and the UFC are in talks right now, so that's up to them. If the UFC wants me, I want to be in the UFC. For me, it's my home. I started my career there and hopefully I'll end my career there. It's the place to be right now, and it's a good time to be a UFC fighter.
"I let my management do all of that. My job is to train. My job is to fight. Their job is to represent me."
The fight with Hazelett was his tenth fight in the UFC. Expecting to re-sign, Koscheck is focused on putting himself in a position to get a shot at the welterweight title.
"I honestly don't care who I fight. I want the fight to make sense in order for me to get back to getting a title shot. If I can get a good three wins in a row, hopefully I can be a contender again and get a chance to fight for that title and get that belt," he told MMAWeekly.com.
"That's the ultimate goal is to get that UFC title and that's like the Super Bowl right now... That's the belt to have right now and that's the belt I want."Click "See More" to continue.
Source: MMA Weekly
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March 7, 2008
A look back TUF # 1
The first season, which ran in early 2005, was a huge hit, for a number of reasons. One of the biggest is that it aired at 11:05 p.m. on Monday nights, right after World Wrestling Entertainment’s “Raw” program. While most wrestling fans, in particular the kids and older people, weren’t that interested, Ultimate Fighter kept the vast majority of the WWE’s male 18-34 audience, which became the new core audience for the promotion.
The vast majority of the public envisioned “ultimate fighters” as thuggish bar room brawlers, devoid of the skills of boxers and wrestlers. But in airing the brutal training sessions and even more controversial weight-cutting, they became very real people, with real flaws and insecurities who worked incredibly hard. Instead of being unskilled, they actually had to be skilled to some degree at many fighting styles.
There were two nights from the first season which put UFC on the map: a two-week television grudge program that led to a match with Chris Leben vs. Josh Koscheck, still the highest rated episode in the history of the series, and the live championship match with Forrest Griffin winning a controversial decision over Stephan Bonnar, the almost perfect fight at the perfect moment.
The two coaches from the season, light heavyweight champion Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell, fought with Liddell winning, and the match did record numbers for the sport on pay-per-view and it was established as a viable attraction.
Many of the fighters introduced that season, Griffin, Diego Sanchez, Koscheck, Leben, Mike Swick, Nate Quarry, Bonnar and Kenny Florian remain stars with the promotion.Source: Yahoo Sports
