Josh Koscheck - Hard Work Does Pay Off
Josh Koscheck has turned into a steady force in the crowded UFC welterweight division, transitioning from a champion wrestler on the collegiate level into an all-around mixed martial artist. Koscheck was once welcomed into the organization through The Ultimate Fighter 1 competition, and after 5 ½ years, will now challenge for a 170-pound title against current champ George St. Pierre when the two meet this Saturday in the UFC 124 main event.
This is not the first time these two top welterweights have met inside the octagon. Back in August of 2007 at UFC 74 Koscheck, riding a five-fight winning streak, met George St. Pierre, who was just coming off of an upset loss to Matt Serra in his first title defense. Koscheck came out tentative and hesitant to pull the trigger, on the other hand, GSP came out much more aggressive using takedowns mixed in with precise striking and outscored Kos by picking up the unanimous decision victory.
This time around the terms are somewhat different. GSP is a proven champion who has defended his title four straight times. Koscheck is again on the rise and has proven that he is capable of standing and trading punches as well as wrestling his way to an octagon victory. What has changed is the background behind this fight. The first bout lacked a story line and the fighters had no animosity between each other; this time around it has a whole summer’s worth of back and forth bickering as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 12.
Given that it has taken Koscheck over five years of battling in the UFC welterweight division to earn a title shot, he will have to make sure he takes advantage of this rare opportunity. In order to do that, Koscheck will have to try and keep this fight in the standing position. Yes, GSP is an elite level boxer, but he is much more dangerous on the ground where he has developed into a world-class wrestler and ground and pound specialist.
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Koscheck looks to be at a disadvantage in every category in this championship fight, except for his power. His power is now his strength and quite possibly the key for him to pull out the upset over his new found rival. Also working to his advantage is the fact that GSP has a tendency of absorbing power shots from powerful strikers, and if Kos can find the right spot, he may just walk out with that championship belt.
What’s at stake for Josh Koscheck? The build-up has been significant and there is much more steam around this bout compared to their first fight. A loss would probably not set Koscheck back too much, after all he will be a huge underdog come fight night but a win however, will vault him into another category, one that he has never been in throughout his career.
It’s never too late to return to the top of the world’s best mixed martial arts organizations’ elite, but as Koscheck grows in age, his chances of fighting for another title diminish. So, understandably this fight comes at just the right time. That is just the reason for Kos to make this one count and prove to the world that hard work does pay off, even if it does take 5 ½ years to do it.
By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer