Sanchez on Koscheck: 'I am everything that he wants to be'

by MMAmania.com on Apr 1, 2007 10:52 AM EDT in UFC News

diego sanchez on josh koscheck ufc 69
As promised, CBSSportsline.com delivered the "other" perspective on the rift between welterweights Diego Sanchez and Josh Koscheck, providing details and a response from the "Nightmare" to recent statements made by his UFC 69 opponent about him and his family.

Here's a snip:

"We were in the same bar, and you know, me and him, we obviously got beef. He knows my cousin personally also, and what was between them is between them. He was talking a lot of s*** about me. My family is a very passionate family, you know. They're going to look you in your eyes and tell you straight up. So I don't doubt it at all, what went down. Im gonna get it settled right now in the ring. (That's) about as far as it goes with me and Koscheck, you know. We don't like each other. It's a personal fight. And personally, I like a personal fight. The last one that I had was with Nick Diaz, and it's funner. You've got something there that means more than just sport. It's passion. I'm a passionate fighter, and I like that."

And more:

"... you know, it all comes down to him being jealous. Jealous, you know, because I am everything that he wants to be. I'm an exciting fighter. I've gone in there, I've put it on the line.... Obviously I won The Ultimate Fighter. That's what he wanted to do. Everything I'm doing, he wishes he was doing. So yeah, he's jealous, and obviously we don't get along. It makes for a good fight, and I'm glad he feels that way, because maybe now he's gonna come in there and fight with me, and really get it on, because that's what I like ... Josh Koscheck's got another thing coming when we step into that ring. I'm sure he's worked very hard, but I've worked very hard also. But I feel I have something he doesn't have. It's inner toughness and heart. That comes from years and years of growing up where I grew up, fighting from day one ...He's a wrestler. He ain't a fighter. He can learn, he can learn, but he can't learn how to scrap, you know. He can't learn how to take a punch. And I'll tell you right now: You watch his fights. He doesn't like to get hit. When I get hit, I come back, and I come back with fire."

There's a ton more where that came from ... just check out the entire interview.

We've covered this issue and rivalry to the point where it's just tired. It's clear that these guys just need to get in the Octagon and put it to bed once and for all.

It can't happen soon enough.

(Interesting note: Sanchez reveals that Matt Hughes has an automatic rematch clause in his contract to fight Georges St. Pierre. Of course, St. Pierre was obligated to fight Matt Serra at UFC 69 first because of the The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) format. However, should St. Pierre win on April 7, it appears that Hughes will most likely be his next opponent.)

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he’s 100 percent right about when he gets hit, its like he comes back harder and stronger, thats what makes him to me the most likable fighter inside the octagon…

by tha spida on Apr 1, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

If Diego really is a Christian then he should walk up to Koscheck, extend his hand and say, “Brother, I apologize for my transgressions and the anger that I have had towards you.”

If he can’t do that then he should SHUT THE F*CK UP ABOUT THIS JESUS THING!!!

by Erhardt on Apr 1, 2007 12:45 PM EDT reply actions

he’s not the one talking all the shit, read the whole interview, he gives props to koscheck as an athlete, but just because he’s religious doesn’t mean he has to extend his hand to the man who won’t stop talking shit about him and his fam, even god knows koscheck has a beating coming

by tha spida on Apr 1, 2007 5:57 PM EDT reply actions

To be totally honest I’m not a big fan of diego but I will say this, I respect him far more than koscheck, In listening to both guys talk in several interviews koscheck by far is the bigger trash talker. I wanted koscheck to win before and now I’m not so sure, I think I agree with most of what diego says. Koscheck really needs to close his yap because if diego owns him on april 7 he’s going to look like a total ass.

by nathan on Apr 1, 2007 9:13 PM EDT reply actions

Either way this is gonna be one hell of a match just because of the hatred between the two. Koscheck would be lucky if he made it out of the first round. Doesnt really matter tho sanchez will KO his ass in either the end of the first or the start of the second round.

by fiftystunter on Apr 1, 2007 11:41 PM EDT reply actions

This is either going to be the fight of the night or a snooze-a-thon. Get that ref in there that did Marquardt-Lister. He’ll stand them up every time the blanket wraps himself around Diego!

by SirMixALot on Apr 1, 2007 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

wow, Diego “El Dirty” Sanchez is long winded! This is a lot like Hughes pissing off St.Pierre in that it would be in Kos’ best interest to just shut the hell up and not get a crazy mother fo’ like Sanchez worked up. Oh the stupidity, some game plan Kos, moron.

by UFCmaniac on Apr 2, 2007 6:51 AM EDT reply actions

This is almost more of a battle of camps….Greg Jackson’s Camp vs. American Kickboxing Academy!!! Jon Fitch,Mike Swick,and Bobby Southworth vs. Rashad Evans, Nate Mardquart, and Jason McDonald!!! As good as all these fighters r I wouldn’t want 2 b in the middle of this fued!!!

by ibread on Apr 2, 2007 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

I’ll take either one of those camps or American Top Team over those loudmouths from Miletich.

by PW on Apr 2, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

Diego is more of a lock then GSP in this fight, just out classes him all around. If Kosh takes him down it will get reversed or he will be submitted.

by J dogg on Apr 4, 2007 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

Kos won hands down. Sanchez couldn’t do a thing while Kos hit him at will and took him down like nothing (Sanchez attempted to take his back at the bell as Kos was turning to motion back to his corner). Their first match was close but Kos was very new to the game. Kos did, however, take Sanchez down at will during that match.

Diego is way over rated in my humble opinion (although he is definitaly deserving of being in the UFC). He didn’t do anything to Alessio but they gave him the decision (Sanchez was the one bloodied up). He didn’t do much to Diaz but get some takedowns and punch the floor (the most damage was done by the upkicks by Diaz – too many points for takedowns in my opinion). Florian was just a mismatch. Parisian was the only impressive win. Riggs was a fluke knee to a downed opponent (illegal move) while charging in.

Kos actually finished the majority of his UFC wins (submission or KO). His only pro loss was a fluke where Kos was dominating for the entire match. He’s a way better athelete than Diego Sanchez. Obviously a much more accomplished wrestler and proved to be a better boxer. Sanchez claimed to be the best. (notice the period) Lets see Sanchez against Fedor if he is what he says he is. It seems to be Sanchez with the big mouth.

by fan on Apr 9, 2007 12:05 PM EDT reply actions