The Triangle Choke: Josh Koscheck Interview

Josh Koscheck’s MMA notoriety started with season 1 of The Ultimate Fighter. There are many things that stood out about Josh from TUF; his ability to push people’s buttons, dragging Bobby Southworth into the sauna to make weight, most of all his incredible wrestling ability (NCAA National Wrestling Champion) to name a few. Josh emerged from the show as a major competitor for the UFC Welterweight Championship and continues to improve in all facets of his game. “Kos” holds a career record of 12-3. Josh will compete at UFC 95 against relative unknown Paulo Thiago who holds a career record of 10-0. Josh took some time from training to speak with me.

TTC- Who was your favorite athlete growing up?

JK- That’s a tough one. Probably Mario Lemieux. I liked Andy Van Slyke, Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla. Not sure I had a favorite athlete was really just a fan of anything Pittsburgh; (Kos grew up in the Pittsburgh area) the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates…

TTC- What is your earliest memory of UFC?

JK- I think it was the first live event I went to. I believe it was Tito vs. Randy Couture.

TTC- Who would you pick in their prime, Royce Gracie or Georges St-Pierre?

JK- That’s easy. GSP would kick his ass. The reason why is Royce didn’t have stand up and Georges has great stand up.

TTC- What is a typical night out like for you?

JK- 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 Black Jack for about 12 hours.

Photo courtesy of Josh Koscheck.

TTC- First thought when the alarm clock goes off?

JK- Where’s my oatmeal! I need that to get ready to train.

TTC- Favorite music?

JK- I like everything man. Except country.

TTC- Megan Fox or Beyonce?

JK- Whose the first one? (answered) I don’t know who that is to be honest with you (incredible and hard to believe, maybe saving himself from his girlfriend).

TTC- Worst job you have had?

JK- I’ve had some bad jobs in my day. Man, I use to wash cars that was pretty bad.

TTC- I will name a few fighters, what is the first thought that comes to your mind?

Thiago Silva- Tough Kid

Thiago Alves- Also a tough kid

GSP- He has my belt, something I want

Edinboro University- Coach Flynn Fedor- Unbelievable

Brock Lesnar- Freak

Anderson Silva- Bad Ass

Diego Sanchez- (10 second pause) I don’t have anything to say!

TTC- As your career progresses, when do you see another shot at GSP?

JK- As of right now, I don’t care about anything other than the guy I’m fighting. I don’t look ahead or look past anybody. Thiago is a talented young kid, hungry I’m sure. He is looking to make a name for himself and I’m sure he is well prepared, that is why I’m at the gym training my ass off looking to win this fight.

TTC- He is 10-0, a BJJ Black Belt, have you watched a lot of film on him for your preparation?

JK- I haven’t really. I don’t even know what he looks like. I’m just worried about what I have to do to win the fight and that’s it.

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TTC- Coming off of a very successful collegiate wrestling career, who have been your biggest mentors?

JK- Duane Zinkin and Bob Cook have taught me a lot about business, about life; other things than just fighting. Zinkin Entertainment has taught me to capitalize on the momentum you have and to make money off of that. The biggest influence in my life has been my grandparents. Outside of them it would be Tim Flynn, Edinboro University Wrestling Coach. I still talk to him 2-3 times a week.

TTC- In your career, you have done things to draw attention to yourself. Correct me if I’m wrong, I believe those actions are contrived and part of your plan?

JK- I’m not giving away my secrets. It is a business. If no one knows your name, if no one is talking about you, then guess what you are not fighting in the UFC. It’s a business and I have to do what I can to get people either for me or against me. Its that plain and simple.

TTC- I interviewed Cain Velasquez recently. He has tons of potential. You train with him at AKA. What are your thoughts on Cain?

JK- Cain is going to be a phenomenal fighter. The biggest thing he needs to do is focus on one fight at a time. I think he has everything it takes to be a champion.

TTC- I asked Cain a similar question, what is the competition like at AKA?

JK- I’m fighting guys on a daily basis that are top ten in my weight class; Jon Fitch, Mike Swick, Pan Minihan, then there is Josh Thomson, Strikeforce’s 155lb champion. At 185lbs, there is Trevor Prangley who beats the crap out of everybody, very strong. On any given day if you are not feeling it, they are going to let you know. You have to be on your game every day when you come into that gym to train.

TTC- We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming bout and know you will put on a good performance.

As you can tell, I was being very cordial and nice to Josh. Little did I know, Kos’s good friend and fellow Edinboro and AKA teammate Justin Wilcox was with Josh. In typical Koscheck fashion he stated hold up, I have a message for you from one of my friends. Justin Wilcox said if you don’t quit harassing him he is going to come up there and kick your ass!!! The call ended with laughter. That is Josh Koscheck in a nutshell. Controversial? Maybe. Entertaining? Always.

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Editor-in-Chief