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In it to win it: Exclusive UFCmania interview with Josh Koscheck

josh koscheck
Josh Koscheck is one of the most polarizing fighters on the UFC roster.

The former contestant on season one of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) has transitioned from being an insanely decorated collegiate wrestler at Edinboro University to a mixed martial arts star in less than three years.

Along the way he's made a few friends and enemies -- inside and outside the Octagon.

Love him or hate him, Koscheck is now knocking on the door for a shot at the welterweight crown in the very near future.

Standing in his way, however, is the former 170-pound champion, Georges St. Pierre, this Saturday, August 25, at UFC 74: "Respect."

UFCmania (www.ufcmania.com) got a chance to chat with Kos prior to him leaving for "Sin City." And he sounds ready to once again turn the division on it's head like he did against Diego Sanchez at UFC 69 back in April.

And he couldn't care less if you like it or not.

Star-divide

UFCmania: What's up Josh? Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for us here at UFCmania.com. What's going on right now?

Josh Koscheck: No problem. Thanks for the opportunity. Training is pretty much done -- I've put a good three months in for this fight. I went in today for a light workout with one of my training partners. I'm going to go back tonight to get my lungs open with a little cardio and that's about it. I'm feeling great and I'm ready to fly out to Vegas tomorrow provided I don't miss my plane.

UFCmania: You're coming off of a big win at UFC 69 over Diego Sanchez. How's life been different since that fight?

Josh Koscheck: It really hasn't been different because I've been in training camp all year. I really don't do other things outside of training, my clothing company and some of the other things I have to do. So I haven't really had the opportunity to do much like travel or anything like that. I've been training ever since the New Year. I went straight back to training right after the Diego fight.

mar clothing

UFCmania: Considering the volatile history between you and Sanchez did that win feel better than some of the others?

Josh Koscheck: It felt good. It felt real good to avenge a loss and that's one of the biggest things as a fighter you want to do. As a fighter if you have a loss you always want to beat that other guy and show yourself that you have improved. That win shows that I'm an improving fighter and I definitely proved to myself that I could beat him. So it was a good win and a good feeling.

UFCmania: It was later revealed that he had a serious staph infection going into the fight. Is that an excuse or do you feel you beat the "real" Diego at 100 percent that night?

Josh Koscheck: Well, everyone always has excuses when they lose fights. Just look at Georges St. Pierre – he made all those retarded excuses about not training right and all of the other stuff when he lost to Matt Serra. If you lose it's time to man-up, admit it and take responsibility for your loss. You didn't win that day – too bad. Don't make excuses about it.

UFCmania: The feud is obviously not over yet. Are there plans for a rematch anytime soon if maybe things don't go your way this weekend or is it too early to even think about?

Josh Koscheck: Well, things are going to go my way this weekend. I'm not really focused on anything else other than what is on my plate right now. And that's Georges St. Pierre. All I'm thinking about right now is flying out to Vegas tomorrow and resting up for this fight. I'm not looking ahead or past Georges for the next few days at least.

UFCmania: Real quick ... what are your thoughts on the upcoming fight between Sanchez and your American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) training partner, Jon Fitch?

Josh Koscheck: You know, Diego is in a lot of trouble. I train with Jon Fitch on a regular basis at AKA and he's an absolute animal. He's the man. Fitch is going to smash Diego Sanchez. I think it's going to be an easy fight for Fitch.

UFCmania: It was clear that you had a specific gameplan for Sanchez that clearly paid off. Any clues as to what 'exciting strategy' you have in store for St. Pierre?

Josh Koscheck: Absolutely, tune in on Saturday night and watch. That's all I can say. People will get to see the gameplan that we've put together for Georges and it's going to be something exciting, something different. It's definitely something that fans have not yet seen from me — that's all I'm going to say right now. Talk to me after the fight if you want all the specifics.

UFCmania: Tell us how the training is going for St. Pierre. Are you drilling anything different?

Josh Koscheck: I don't train for specific fighters. I just train to fight. And that's every aspect of the game.

UFCmania: St. Pierre has earned a reputation -- fair or not -- of being "mentally weak" despite his obvious physical talents and abilities. Is there any way to exploit that? Or do you see any advantage to knowing that coming into this fight?

Josh Koscheck: Fighters have ups and downs in training and during fights — same goes during their careers. I'm never going to take a fight lightly and I'm certainly not going to take Georges St. Pierre lightly. I'm prepared to fight the best Georges St. Pierre ever. That's the mental state where I'm at right now. I'm going to do what I did in training and what I have prepared for during the last three months.

UFCmania: What was the thinking behind the "no heart/weak chin" comment? Is that just fight hype or do you really believe that?

Josh Koscheck: If you need a sports psychologist you definitely have some loose screws. And I think that Georges doesn't have the heart that he thinks he does. He relies a lot on his athletic ability to get him out of trouble and make up for what he lacks in terms of heart. I'm definitely going to test his heart. Don't get me wrong, Georges St. Pierre is a nice guy, but fuck, I'm a nice guy, too. I want to whoop his ass. It's business — this is my career and my livelihood on the line. I'm trying to hurt that fool.

UFCmania: What did you think of his loss to Serra at UFC 69?

Josh Koscheck: It was exciting because it shows that anyone in the welterweight division — whether it's the number one, two, three, four or five guy — can win on any given night. It's cool to see that down the line anything can happen. Serra did that and showed what mixed martial arts is all about.

UFCmania: Matt Hughes recently had a prediction on your upcoming fight and some choice words about Josh Koscheck (I read him this line). Thoughts?

Josh Koscheck: Matt Hughes is on drugs, man. I'll probably kick Matt Hughes in the neck (more on Hughes later).

UFCmania: Are you more concerned with winning fights or pleasing the crowd?

Josh Koscheck: The crowd can suck my ass because I'm going to get booed no matter what I do during a fight. It's often a bunch of drunks in the stands who don't understand the technique and aspects of mixed martial arts. These people just want to see knockouts. So when fans here can understand — like Japanese crowds do — the importance of takedowns and passing guard and nuances like that then maybe I'll care. My job is to win fights. That's what it's about if you want to get to the belt — bottom line. It's bullshit that all the guys who fight exciting fights get asked to come back. I've seen tons of guys lose exciting fights and they are not in the UFC anymore ... they're nowhere to be found.

UFCmania: Have you ever thought about fighting at 155 pounds? Is that even possible for you since you competed in college at 174 pounds?

Josh Koscheck: Mid-training camp I walk around at about 196 pounds. Right now I'm at about 184 pounds. Fighting at 155 pounds would be out of the question.

UFCmania: Do you regret not going to the Olympics and possibly putting a ribbon on your illustrious wrestling career?

Josh Koscheck: No, absolutely not. I believe that you make decisions in life and you can't regret them. I made a good decision to go and fight, which was actually a financial decision. I really didn't know much about fighting until about 2004 when I first got into it. Now, this is the last fight on my UFC contract and I'm in a good spot. This is a big fight for me.

UFCmania: This is really the last fight on your contract? Do you plan to renegotiate?

Josh Koscheck: I believe so ... three years or nine fights. Of course, but I'm focused on Georges St. Pierre right now. We'll figure out all that stuff after the fight.

UFCmania: If you weren't fighting, what would you be doing? Would you still be wrestling or coaching?

Josh Koscheck: I have some real estate ventures and this clothing company is something that I have been thinking about for as long as I can remember. I'd probably just be focusing on those two things.

UFCmania: Tell us about MAR Clothing ... what's that all about?

Josh Koscheck: MAR Clothing is something that I have been interested in since I was a kid. Now it's just starting to pound out, you know? I've got some shoes coming over from China, which will be here tomorrow, and we're just taking the business one day at a time. In addition to the clothing, we have skateboards coming, board shorts and all kinds of stuff planned.

UFCmania: Is that your company or just a line you have with MAR?

Josh Koscheck: It's 100 percent my company — I started it on a piece of scrap paper and now it's for real. It's something that is fun and interesting. It's kind of like my UFC career: It started from nothing to now I'm at a point where I know everything about it. It is also something to fall back on. I can't fight forever.

UFCmania: What does Mar stand for?

Josh Koscheck: Leave a mark or blemish. In Spanish it means beach by the ocean.

UFCmania: If you were allowed to punch the face of anyone in the UFC who would it be?

Josh Koscheck: Chris Leben. Why not? He's a punk ... always running his mouth about something and then he gets his ass kicked.

UFCmania: I spoke with Terry Martin last week (coming soon) and he's confident that he is going to hurt Leben real bad when the two meet at UFC Fight Night 11 next month.

Josh Koscheck: That's pretty awesome. I want to definitely see him get his ass kicked because he pussed out against one of my training partners, Mike Swick. That was going to be a main event on Spike television and Leben didn't want to fight him because he was scared. I hope Terry Martin does kick his ass. He's got real heavy hands and it's probably a worse match up for Leben than Swick.

UFCmania: If you could only fight one more time -- forever -- and you could fight anybody in the world of MMA, past or present, who would you like to fight?

Josh Koscheck: I'd like to shut Matt Hughes up. Now you've got me thinking about him (laughs). I mean me and Hughes have been cool but he's always been arrogant and cocky. People who think I'm arrogant and cocky have to look at Matt Hughes — he's ten times worse.

UFCmania: Would that fight turn into a wrestling match?

Josh Koscheck: Not at all. It would be me picking him apart, punching and kicking him whenever I want. He can't take me down, come on. What was he, a one-time All American? And if we did wrestle I'd beat him by 15 points, easy.

UFCmania: Did the experience on season one of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) help our hurt your career?

Josh Koscheck: Being on The Ultimate Fighter was cool because it helped me begin to develop a complete game. I knew from that experience that I need to step it up and learn more about mixed martial arts.

UFCmania: Finally, you get this question all the time, but I'm going to go with a new angle. Between Jon Fitch and Mike Swick, who is the tougher match up for Josh Koscheck. Not necessarily the better fighter, but the dude who you think stylistically would give you more problems?

Josh Koscheck: Definitely Jon Fitch. He's real tough. Now Mike Swick is a tough dude, too. These guys are both tough and present different problems. Mike Swick is long, tall and really tough on his feet. On the ground Swick probably isn't at my level. On the feet he's phenomenal. Now Jon Fitch is so well-rounded — he's tough everywhere. I don't want to disrespect either one of these guys because they're my training partners and a very big reason that I am successful. We train our asses off together. Both of those guys are tough. I just think that right now Jon Fitch is a little bit above Mike but not that far.

UFCmania: Okay Josh, we're almost done. Just want to do some quick word association. I'm going to say something and you just give me the first thing that comes to mind.

Josh Koscheck: Um ... okay.

UFCmania: Diego Sanchez
Josh Koscheck: Punk!

UFCmania: Lay n' Pray
Josh Koscheck: Gay

UFCmania: Blonde or brunette
Josh Koscheck: Brunette ... damn blondes

UFCmania: Steroids
Josh Koscheck: Illegal

UFCmania: Split-decisions
Josh Koscheck: Uncalled for

UFCmania: Dana White
Josh Koscheck: Cool

UFCmania: Boxers or briefs (female reader)
Josh Koscheck: Neither ... freeball

UFCmania: UFC 74 main event winner
Josh Koscheck: Randy Couture. I can't count him out ever again after underestimating him the last time.

UFCmania: That's a wrap. Thanks again for putting up with me. Anything you want to add before we sign off?

Josh Koscheck: Thanks for the interview and the opportunity. I just want people to check out MarClothing.com, as well as my Web site and MySpace page. Don't miss this Saturday night it's going to be a great fight ... trust me.

mar clothing

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Thanks to all the readers who submitted questions … it was a big help. Apologies we couldn’t get to all of them.

by UFCmania on Aug 20, 2007 11:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Great intervivew, you guys always do a great job.

by Jarred on Aug 20, 2007 11:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

like the interview but i do hope gsp shuts this kids mouth

by george on Aug 20, 2007 11:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow…
What respect?

by Luppers on Aug 20, 2007 11:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nasty , now all I can do is picture him playing Madden with his junk hanging out..

Hope he gets staph on his nads.

by Dayzah on Aug 20, 2007 11:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i love how somebody finally said something about the fans. assholes boo because they don’t understand the game. its gotten worse than baseball games when the stadium boos and pickoffs. when it comes to these 2 big fights I really have no idea what will happen in either one and i’m done trying to predict this sport

by storhaug on Aug 20, 2007 11:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don’t have a problem with Koscheck, but I think GSP is going to put it on this guy!!

by bx1551 on Aug 20, 2007 11:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

UFCmania: Lay n’ Pray
Josh Koscheck: Gay

hahahaha c’mon

by Willy W on Aug 21, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Love him or hate him?

How about really couldn’t give a F%$#.

by the truth on Aug 21, 2007 12:08 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i like the part about ‘turning the division on it’s head’…
huh?

i’m looking forward to this crazy strategy nobody has seen before. maybe it’s a strategy called ’i’m going to get smoked by georges on saturday’.

by Smelly Hands on Aug 21, 2007 12:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sweet, my question about who he would want to punch in the face got asked.

by c-war on Aug 21, 2007 12:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i am suprised that he said jon fitch over swick, i think that shows that he isnt doing too bad in the standup against swick. which means gsp better watch out.

by dsi_chameleon on Aug 21, 2007 12:28 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kos is probably the best heel in the sport. Just so effortlessly good at being the guy you want to see lose. He needs to keep improving his game so that watching him win won’t be that unpleasant.

by Michaelthebox on Aug 21, 2007 12:28 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

DAMN.. they didnt ask my question.. how could they not ask josh (who is an amazing athlete who does lft weights but still looks riped before every fight) What his thoughts on mma fighters getting caught using steroids.

by MR. WOLF on Aug 21, 2007 12:57 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i mean "who does NOT lift "

by MR. WOLF on Aug 21, 2007 12:58 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That was sweet, I have money riding on my man Kos! Japanese fans put us to shame definitely, I’m embarrassed by the spectacle of the UFC fans most of the time.

“19 and wuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!” Josh Koscheck

by Theman on Aug 21, 2007 1:05 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i am suprised that he said jon fitch over swick, i think that shows that he isnt doing too bad in the standup against swick. which means gsp better watch out.

Fitch is just a beast. Outstanding wrestling background, ever-improving, powerful hands, great cardio, jiu-jitsu brown belt… Fitch is an absolute handful for anyone.

Also, for the guy who called Koscheck a “kid” perhaps you don’t realize he turns 30 soon.. and GSP is 25.

by TheRev25 on Aug 21, 2007 2:01 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

hate this guy. hes over rated and couldn’t even finish a diego sanchez who was half way dead

by Phil on Aug 21, 2007 2:12 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think Koscheck wins by Knockout second round!!

by Kerry on Aug 21, 2007 2:29 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kos is just a guy that cant help pissing people off with the way he acts. Hes annoyingly arrogant and doesn’t show much respect to other fighters. But most of all he fights like hes afraid of getting scars of his face.
I think he will gain fans if he gets into a real bloody and tough brawl with GSP.

by EazyEismydad on Aug 21, 2007 2:44 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice interview. Keep up the good work

by UFC-Forums.com on Aug 21, 2007 2:47 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i cant wait for bj penn 2 win the belt then move up and kick this guys a**..lets all face it bj penn is about to take over the whole ufc…aint no one on his level…hes finally getting his stamina up ..hes gonna be unstoppable jus watch .. i guarantee it…

by diego&bjfan on Aug 21, 2007 5:28 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

hes over rated and couldn’t even finish a diego sanchez who was half way dead

Very well-said, Phil. My thoughts exactly.

by Larry on Aug 21, 2007 6:00 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Very well-said, Phil. My thoughts exactly.


Diego was in peak physical condition, just mentally disturbed weather his career was in question or not. He played it defensive the whole time. That fight should be niether credited or discredited to Kos, pretend that it never happened.
On another note, I think Josh Koscheck has a good future ahead of him in his career, he is getting better and is already quite an athlete. I just dont think this part of his career (against GSP) is gonna be one of the brighter parts.

by The Anomaly on Aug 21, 2007 6:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kos is just a guy that cant help pissing people off with the way he acts. Hes annoyingly arrogant and doesn’t show much respect to other fighters. But most of all he fights like hes afraid of getting scars of his face.
I think he will gain fans if he gets into a real bloody and tough brawl with GSP.

I couldn’t agree more. Koscheck is one of the least aggressive fighters in the UFC. The fight with Sanchez was one of the most aggravating fights I’ve ever seen. However, I do agree that the more popular the UFC gets, the more “casual” fans it will pick up. You know… the one’s who aren’t satisfied with anything less than a fatality.

by Keith on Aug 21, 2007 6:31 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i like how he rips Hughes wrestling background like its nothing – i didnt use to like KOs, but any one who hates hughes is cool in my books, wanna see Ko’s tear his fookin head off!

by Insain on Aug 21, 2007 6:33 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i like the part about "turning the division on it’s head’…
huh?

Sanchez was on target for a title shot. Him losing sparked these other match ups. I was also referring to Serra. That’s what I meant.

by UFCmania on Aug 21, 2007 7:32 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m sorry I don’t understand the nuances of eeking out decisions and not dominating fighters even though a fighter talks like he dominates all his opponents. Kos is a failure .

by Wildbill on Aug 21, 2007 7:53 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He sounds real confident that he’s going to win the fight and so does GSP. Can’t wait to watch the weigh-inn.

by Pat D on Aug 21, 2007 8:16 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I am not going to be surprised one bit if and when Josh Koscheck does win. From an athletic standpoint, I do not think there is a better overall athlete in the UFC today. While I do not condone him talking nonsense about Matt Hughes. He is certainly younger and may very well be able to give Hughes a serious fight.

I know George St. Pierre is as good as your gonna get when it comes to guys at 170 but I have no doubts that he can absolutely lose this fight … Of course it will be a three round majority decision whoever wins so lets not discredit either. A three round battle is what we should all want to see WE ARE PAYING FOR THE THING AFTERALL.

Cuts

by Kevin Kelly on Aug 21, 2007 8:16 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Prepare to see a Matt Hughes – GSP II repeat with Mr. Kos. Hope it at least extends into the second round so I can see how Kos’ game plan pans out. Good luck to both.

by ajadoniz on Aug 21, 2007 8:59 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I just like the part where he hates on the fants, and hugs dana white’s nuts…

by Luppers on Aug 21, 2007 9:00 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Excellent interview, thanks very much. It was great to hear a bit more about where Kos’ head is at prior to this big fight.

by tripleainto on Aug 21, 2007 9:00 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That was sweet, I have money riding on my man Kos! Japanese fans put us to shame definitely, I’m embarrassed by the spectacle of the UFC fans most of the time.

“19 and wuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!” Josh Koscheck

Yeh as fans we r pathetic, I dont understand the fans, If they just wanna c a stand up war, watch k – 1, it seems like every time a fight goes to the ground they boo. I lo ve me a good ol fashion Brawl, but come on grappling is awesome, ju jitsu is a beautifyl art, and its a shame that the majority of fans dont appreciate it.

Us as fans, and as people can learn a lot from the Japanease.

Almost every fighter who has foujght in ameriaca and Japan, prefers the Japanease crowd. These fighters are the most underpaid athletes in all of sports amd they risk there body’s day in and out, more so then even football players. How can these ignorant fans actually boo these warriors. its a damn shame.

Kos is a fool, its a shame him n fitch wont fight cuz I think fitch would whoop his ass!

by john on Aug 21, 2007 9:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

UFCmania: If you were allowed to punch the face of anyone in the UFC who would it be?

Josh Koscheck: Chris Leben. Why not? He’s a punk … always running his mouth about something and then he gets his ass kicked.

 RARFOLRFOLF

 I don’t give a rat’s ass what anyone says; this guy is the shit. I sooooo want him to choke GSP the F out.

by Sir Chokemout on Aug 21, 2007 9:24 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Excellent interview, thanks very much. It was great to hear a bit more about where Kos’ head is at prior to this big fight.

..Totally agree.

by PhilQNY on Aug 21, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh, and how fast did it take him to answer that question :)

by Sir Chokemout on Aug 21, 2007 9:25 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Josh Koscheck: The crowd can suck my ass because I’m going to get booed no matter what I do during a fight. It’s often a bunch of drunks in the stands who don’t understand the technique and aspects of mixed martial arts. These people just want to see knockouts. So when fans here can understand — like Japanese crowds do — the importance of takedowns and passing guard and nuances like that then maybe I’ll care. My job is to win fights. That’s what it’s about if you want to get to the belt — bottom line. It’s bullshit that all the guys who fight exciting fights get asked to come back. I’ve seen tons of guys lose exciting fights and they are not in the UFC anymore … they’re nowhere to be found.

I hate the booing by the fans, but come on in a few cases it is warranted. Kos y should people cheer for u? Your stand up is sharp, but he seems to be afraid to be hit, he usually stays away from striking range. Is ground n pound is pretty good, ju jistu needs a lot of work.

Besides the occasional slam, and a lil g n p, what would u like us to cheer about. U r a wrestler, but u were scarred of taking Diego down. What sence does that make. That fight should have been called a Draw. Kos won, I guess, if thats what this guy calls a victory, then he has a lot to learn.

“Fans can suck his ass” : wow thats like a cardinal sin, u should never say that u pompous fool. Sometime fans boo, usually its not justified but come on. when Kos fought diego that was a co main event I believe. That was supposed to be the fight of the night, and u came up wit that crappy ass performance. Sanchez was half dead wit a serious staph infection and kos still fought him like a bitch, was never even close to finishing him. When u r a headlineing fight u do have a responsibility to put on a show. I could care less that u beat diego, as far as Im concerned, I dont even recognize that win.

Kos I hope and Im sure that GSP will hand u a beating worse then any beating u have ever took in an octagon. U talk about GSP being mentally weak, I cant wait to c how mentally strong u r after GSP outclasses u.

GSP: No Heart/No chin/mentally weak. R u kidding me? He showed
plennty of heart, chin, n menal toughness vs. BJ, Bj was tagging him up, out fighting Gsp in every aspect of the fight, then GSP came back to win the next to rounds and the fight.

I cant wait to c how great Kos chin will look when GSP blasts him wit pin point striking.

U calls GSP mentally weak cuz he was seeing a sport psychologist. R u kidding me, a large percent of athletes in all sports use these Psychiatrists. Doesn’t mean u r mentally weak.

This who interview was crap. Kos is a joke who will loose to most of the top 10 welterweights, However I do feel that he matches up well wit matt hughes.

by john on Aug 21, 2007 9:34 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey mania: That interview was crap! Im not blaming u, u asked the right questions u did your part, but Kos is an idiot who gave us one idiotic response after the other.

I rarely root for fighters, I usually root for a good fight, But I definetly will be rooting for GSP against this idiot. When he looses to GSP I hope they make him fight Karo next. I doubt he can handle the heat, let alone GSP

Go GSP.

For all the fans who will boo St. Pierre for being canadian, Grow up!

by john on Aug 21, 2007 9:37 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

“Matt Hughes is on drugs, man. I’ll probably kick Matt Hughes in the neck”

lol, I love it, KOS is my new best friend.

Nice interview Mania…

by Jesse Holland on Aug 21, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

“Matt Hughes is on drugs, man. I’ll probably kick Matt Hughes in the neck”

lol, I love it, KOS is my new best friend.

Nice interview Mania…

Ha yeah that was hillarious, MANIA you did a phenominal job on this interview and even threw in a question I had =p

I was surprised to hear that if he could fight anybody in mma past or present he would want to fight Matt Hughes, not Royce Gracie, Dan Servern, Ken Shamrock (of course all in thier primes) ect.

Koscheck is nothing by a sarcastic ass, but you know what, there is nothing wrong with that, it was a great interview Mania!

by "Mr. NC-17" on Aug 21, 2007 10:00 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kos might be able to overwelhm Pierre but Sanchez? Sanchez had a weird night and tons of stuff going on in his head. Everybody has a bad night and it wasnt like Josh beat him up.

Josh seems like a really cool dude, but I wouldnt feel good about that win.

by Billy Gamble on Aug 21, 2007 10:03 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Kos is actually pretty funny. He’s becoming quite the personality in MMA. Now, if he gets it absolutely handed to him at UFC 74 then noone will think he’s that funny anymore though. However, his wrestling is so good, even if his exciting strategy doesn’t work GSP is going to have to work hard.

As for Fitch, the dude is crazy good. Swick is good too, but Fitch has it everywhere, and if Kos does beat GSP and then the title it won’t be long until they fight. I wonder how they will handle that? Go to different gyms?

by Tim on Aug 21, 2007 10:05 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Great interview. I think Koscheck is underrated really. He seems to be one of those people who just have that sports skill. They can try something and after a while become proficient at it.
I do think that he may be in over his head with GSP if GSP comes to fight but if GSP is still shaky (or KOS is serious about his gameplan) then I won’t be surprised if KOS wins.
Either way it should be a good fight and will make the division a little more defined when the smoke clears.

by pr0cs on Aug 21, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i don’t see how kosh can say gsp.has no heart since gsp.has done more than him in mma.early on gsp.won the championship here in canada.gsp has beaten the who’s who of the division in the ufc including b.j.penn and matt hughes.gsp.became ufc champion at age 25. kosh couldn’t even put away a sluggish and half hearted sanchez. gsp is going to close the big mouth of kosh and probably close his eyes by the end of the fight. if gsp submits him i hope he rips his arm off. i am really hoping that gsp stands and punishes kosh with his fast punches and his deadly kicks,just to teach kosh a lesson in real mma.why was my last reply not acceptted? was it because i called kosh an f’in mother f’er?he’s got know respect! soon he’ll have a busted up face and even if he can still talk i don’t think he’ll have much to say. talk about heart,look at gsp’s fight with b.j.when gsp came back to win in the last 2 rounds.look at what gsp did to matt hughes in the second fight after losing the first time.no heart eh kosh? gsp will take your heart and make you wonder if maybe you should become a p.e.teacher instead of a mma fighter. he’ll shut your mouth for awile anyway,maybe with wire.get my drift?

by jel on Aug 21, 2007 10:31 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I use to like matt hughes then he calls out kos. How the hell does he think he can beat kos. Matt couldnt take down st.pierre who is a good wrestler but kos is just on another level he is a four time all american that is just crazy. Also matt hughes has horrible stand up who has he ever out struck as far as i can remember nobody he couldnt even out strike royce gracie who has the worst stand up i have ever seen.

by matt on Aug 21, 2007 10:32 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i don’t see how kosh can say gsp.has no heart since gsp.has done more than him in mma.early on gsp.won the championship here in canada.gsp has beaten the who’s who of the division in the ufc including b.j.penn and matt hughes.gsp.became ufc champion at age 25. kosh couldn’t even put away a sluggish and half hearted sanchez. gsp is going to close the big mouth of kosh and probably close his eyes by the end of the fight. if gsp submits him i hope he rips his arm off. i am really hoping that gsp stands and punishes kosh with his fast punches and his deadly kicks,just to teach kosh a lesson in real mma.why was my last reply not acceptted? was it because i called kosh an f’in mother f’er?he’s got know respect! soon he’ll have a busted up face and even if he can still talk i don’t think he’ll have much to say. talk about heart,look at gsp’s fight with b.j.when gsp came back to win in the last 2 rounds.look at what gsp did to matt hughes in the second fight after losing the first time.no heart eh kosh? gsp will take your heart and make you wonder if maybe you should become a p.e.teacher instead of a mma fighter. he’ll shut your mouth for awile anyway,maybe with wire.get my drift?

by jel on Aug 21, 2007 10:32 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

first round ko by gsp!

by jel on Aug 21, 2007 10:35 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

very nice job on the interview, i can’t wait to see what this strategy nobody’s seen from him is gonna be on saturday…also the way kos talks about fitch is scary, he says diego is gonna be an easy fight for fitch and part of me wants to half way believe him…these next two ppvs are gonna be sick

by tha spida on Aug 21, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

very nice job on the interview, i can’t wait to see what this strategy nobody’s seen from him is gonna be on saturday…also the way kos talks about fitch is scary, he says diego is gonna be an easy fight for fitch and part of me wants to half way believe him…these next two ppvs are gonna be sick

I think the fact that Kos is friends with Fitch and hates Diego may have colored that statement a bit. Diego is no easy fight for anyone, especially when he’s not on the verge of death and/or retirement with a staph infection. I think he puts a beating on Fitch, then gives the Tito gravedigger/middle finger to Kos, who will no doubt be in Fitch’s corner.

by PW on Aug 21, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He better keep his chin down, hands up, and mouth shut.
GSP by 3 round beat down.. :)

by George R on Aug 21, 2007 11:42 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Looking forward to seeing gsp teach kos some respect, he obviously doesn’t have any and is a legend in his own mind. I really think he’s making a little too much of his wrestling credentials, its a fight and we’ll get to see how much his wrestling helps him aug 25. We will see something we’ve never seen before, koscheck get totally dominated and humiliated, take that to the bank.

by nathan on Aug 21, 2007 11:42 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

GSP>Sherk

Is Kos a better wrestler than Sherk? Also, his L’n’P was “winning” til it ran into a knee by the name ‘o Mr. Fickett, and Matt Hughes, one of the more powerful wrestlers the 170s have ever seen, couldn’t throw Georges.

GSP via GNP. or possibly KO R1. haven’t mmaplayground’d my mind yet.

by garth on Aug 21, 2007 11:50 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Looking forward to seeing gsp teach kos some respect, he obviously doesn’t have any and is a legend in his own mind. I really think he’s making a little too much of his wrestling credentials, its a fight and we’ll get to see how much his wrestling helps him aug 25. We will see something we’ve never seen before, koscheck get totally dominated and humiliated, take that to the bank.

Amen!

Jel: Props for all your accurate comments. Kos is a tool, who is so outclassed in this fight it isn’t even funny!

by john on Aug 21, 2007 11:55 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Personally I do not think Kos can beat any of the following opponents:

GSP
Karo
Diego (healthy)
Fitch
BJ (well conditioned)

I do believe that he matches up well wit:
Matt hughes
Matt serra

That whole new strategy stuff is crap. Unless koscheck plans on rolling on GSP wit Fitch and SWift, I canot inagine GSP loosing this fight. His only chance is the chance that everyone that has ever stepped in the octagon has had: “The Lucky Punch”

by john on Aug 21, 2007 12:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I really hope that eventuall KOS and Matt Hughes do get to fight. Unfortuntatly, it may never happen becuase I see KOS getting beaten down so bad this weekend that he will stick to Poll Dancing as his sport of choice.

I don’t know why so many people think that if KOS and Hughes were to fight that KOS would dominate him. I actually believe the exact opposite. I think Hughes would dominate KOS. Hughes is a MMA legend, and KOS is still a wrestler trying to make a splash in the MMA world. So just becuase KOS has better high school and college wrestling credentials, that means he can destroy Hughes? I don’t think so boys and girls. Who has KOS fougnt and looked impressive? Matt Hughes has been at the very top of the WW division since when, like 1999. KOS is just closing in on the top 5 ONLY becuase he eeked out a decsion win against Diego ‘the Walking Dead’ Sanchez.

GSP is going to beat the crap out of Kos. Hughes is going to beat Serra. So KOS will be no where near the title picture, so a fight between Matt Hughes and KOS wouldnt take place until Hughes was at age 40. In the 1st round he’d lift KOS up over his head and slam him straight thru the octagon, busting thru, and land on the cold concrete floor below.

by ViolentMike on Aug 21, 2007 12:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Smash this little bitch GSP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Dan the Man on Aug 21, 2007 12:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I almost can’t handle all the wanking leading up to these fights anymore. I know it’s bound to happen and shit, I am on here all the time looking for news. But reading conjecture from unproven idiots like Koscheck about who he’ll beat and how good he think’s he is, and his judgements on GSP’s heart and mental health are ridiculous. I think he needs to go through GSP’s backcatalogue of fights and expecially look at Penn vs. GSP if he thinks he can’t show heart, and his domination of Hughes if he think GSP is mentally weak. Sure a lot has happened since then, but I think a lot of fighters go through what GSP did, he is just too open about it. Hell, I bet Liddell even drops crazy excuses and justifications for his loss when talking to his friends and such, but just knows enough not to mishandle it like GSP did. Either way, Kos can say what he wants. He’s never fought a fighter like GSP, and if he’s relying on some kind of mental or physical breakdown that will only work in GSP’s favour. Kos will be baffled when he it being blasted on his feet, and he will lose all his confidence when GSP stuffs his takedowns and puts Kos on his back. This is gonna be one hell of a painful education for this loud-mouthed, overconfident, and overrated wrestler.

by Hardcase on Aug 21, 2007 12:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

People need to stop taking to heart some things that are said in life…everyone is allowed their own opinion!

by i bread on Aug 21, 2007 1:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Mania,
      I like your question “are there plans for a rematch(with Diego)If maby things dont go your way”.

I bet he gave you a funny look when you asked that,like hes gonna be training hard for a fight and even remotly thinking about loosing.

I also like the part where he says the fans can “suck my ass”,that sums up Koshcheck in a nutshell,and um “wining is more important then being exciting”.I cant stand Koshcheck,for me he is the worst type of fighter there is,to beat someone in a fight in my mind you have to truly beat them down and finish them,wining desicions is just not the same,luckily not all UFC fighters are like this and we have greats like Chuck Liddell,Shogun,Wanderlei,Crocop and Michael Bisping,dont get me wrong I respect Koshcheck just for having what it takes to fight in the UFC but his fight style and mentality,its not for me.

by mcanena on Aug 21, 2007 1:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Judgeing by Koshchecks answers in various interviews I think he is having some doubts as to weather or not he can beat GSP.
GSP to win by second round TKO.

by mcanena on Aug 21, 2007 1:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I hope Frenchy takes a beating but he’s most likely going to destroy Kos.

by AaronW on Aug 21, 2007 1:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I almost can’t handle all the wanking leading up to these fights anymore. I know it’s bound to happen and shit, I am on here all the time looking for news. But reading conjecture from unproven idiots like Koscheck about who he’ll beat and how good he think’s he is, and his judgements on GSP’s heart and mental health are ridiculous. I think he needs to go through GSP’s backcatalogue of fights and expecially look at Penn vs. GSP if he thinks he can’t show heart, and his domination of Hughes if he think GSP is mentally weak. Sure a lot has happened since then, but I think a lot of fighters go through what GSP did, he is just too open about it. Hell, I bet Liddell even drops crazy excuses and justifications for his loss when talking to his friends and such, but just knows enough not to mishandle it like GSP did. Either way, Kos can say what he wants. He’s never fought a fighter like GSP, and if he’s relying on some kind of mental or physical breakdown that will only work in GSP’s favour. Kos will be baffled when he it being blasted on his feet, and he will lose all his confidence when GSP stuffs his takedowns and puts Kos on his back. This is gonna be one hell of a painful education for this loud-mouthed, overconfident, and overrated wrestler.

 AMEN and halleluya……whats this loud mouth going to say if gsp owns him in grappling and standing? curious, most likely something stupid.

by nathan on Aug 21, 2007 1:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Koscheck is win-win here. He’s such a learner that he’ll take home so much fighting a supremely-skilled GSP. His personality masks a perfect disposition for becoming champ. Not to mention, he’s a great physical talent too.

by John on Aug 21, 2007 1:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

good interview, Kos what a riot what a total A$$hole. Kick Hughes in the neck and hughes 10 tmes cockier than Kos lol. Yeah bud but Hughes has beaten some of the best in the sport and was a Champion with a record way more impressive than yours Kos. A primed hughes would eat Kos alive. At least some of his responses were informative. Kos is getting better all the time but i still say GSP is gonna win this weekend.

by Thor1982 on Aug 21, 2007 1:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

AMEN and halleluya……whats this loud mouth going to say if gsp owns him in grappling and standing? curious, most likely something stupid.

What excuses did Kos ever make for his losses to Diego & Fickett? With Diego, he said that he gave it his best and came up short.

by John on Aug 21, 2007 1:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Koscheck is one of the least aggressive fighters in the UFC. The fight with Sanchez was one of the most aggravating fights I’ve ever seen.

Blame Diego. It’s the opponent’s fault if they’re losing. When Kos was losing a close fight to Diego the 1st time, he went through hell in exciting fashion to try and turn it around. Diego did nothing, but was still very dangerous. If Diego came foward and competed, Kos would’ve obligued. But you can’t ask for a winning fighter to chance losing against a favored opponent.

by John on Aug 21, 2007 1:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m beginning to like this guy more and more. I still see GSP winning and I really like GSP.

They’re both pretty cool but I just think GSP is the most gifted WW around at the moment.

That was nice, you asked him who he sees winning the main event. I’m sure loads of people asked that one and I did too.
Interesting, he’s going with Randy.

by RobH86 on Aug 21, 2007 1:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Diego was in peak physical condition

since when is having a staph infection being in peak physical condition?

by jimmyjam on Aug 21, 2007 3:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

damn it, i wanted my question answered so badly! You couldnt of slipped ben askren into the word association? After what he says about hughes, no one is curious of what he might think of a superior wrestler coming into his division?

by taltos on Aug 21, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

since when is having a staph infection being in peak physical condition?


Yeah… Diego was going to retire until the sores appeared.
I dont like Diego, nor do I like Koschek. Guy has talent, lacking the proper mentality and anysort of class though.

by Luppers on Aug 21, 2007 5:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Cant stand this guy…he’s a damn clown

by Stafo on Aug 21, 2007 5:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I would just like to point out that Koscheck has won 9 of his 10 MMA fights, including a current 5-fight win streak, and now all of the sudden he decides to come up with a gameplan in which we will see a Josh Koscheck that nobody has ever seen before. He is clearly aware of GSP and the aquafina clear advantage that GSP has in standup. Its not normal that a fighter gets on a roll and then decides to do something that he’s never done before. I’m just going from what Koscheck said…..that this is something that nobody has seen out of him before. He knows he needs to do something crazy to pull it off….cuz his old technique isn’t enough for GSP.

by Cory on Aug 21, 2007 8:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Koscheck is going to beat down that frenchie bitch!

by crane wins! on Aug 21, 2007 10:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nasty , now all I can do is picture him playing Madden with his junk hanging out..

Hope he gets staph on his nads.

Hahaha… thanks for passing that image on… GORRRRRPPpppp

by Mamas Boy on Aug 21, 2007 10:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Cant stand this guy…he’s a damn clown

i heard that, he needs to get his ass whooped

by tha spida on Aug 21, 2007 11:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hahahaha….i really don’t know hos this dude has any fans at all. Even if he were the best in whole fu#$ing world, I still hate the guy. He’s a total doosch….sounds like a complete moron in front of the camera too.

Talking shit to the two best WW in the world (bj too), Hughes and GSP. Have some fucking class. Respect your superiors….you haven’t done anything that spectaular yet, and your talking shit.

Can’t wait for GSP to smash this dummy, make a stand to all the people who are doubting him after his loss….

by Mark Johannus on Aug 21, 2007 11:18 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Used to love Koscheck until I discovered he was a disgusting racist.

Can’t wait for him to crawl back under the rock he came from after GSP dispatches him in the first round.

by Fact Checker on Aug 21, 2007 11:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Man this guy is an asshole. I hope GSP beats the living shit out of him. He just assumes that we boo him because we don’t understand the technical aspects of the game in the U.S. That is bullshit. We boo him because we DO understand the technical aspects and he wins on pure strength, just like Matt Hughes and Sean Sherk. None of them would win anything if they weren’t so strong. All they do is hold people on the ground and they have no offense. A good technical game would be to hold someone on the ground, mount him, and either lay him out with punches or submit him. That fight against Diego Sanchez was awful. There was nothing technical about it. If he doesn’t want to get booed he should learn how to fight. It’s called MMA not wrestling. If I wanted to see wrestling I would go see it at a college.

by JD on Aug 22, 2007 12:44 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I would just like to point out that Koscheck has won 9 of his 10 MMA fights, including a current 5-fight win streak, and now all of the sudden he decides to come up with a gameplan in which we will see a Josh Koscheck that nobody has ever seen before. He is clearly aware of GSP and the aquafina clear advantage that GSP has in standup. Its not normal that a fighter gets on a roll and then decides to do something that he’s never done before. I’m just going from what Koscheck said…..that this is something that nobody has seen out of him before. He knows he needs to do something crazy to pull it off….cuz his old technique isn’t enough for GSP.

Sorry but who the hell has Koscheck beat? Ansar Chalangov..wow impressive. He squeaked on out over Sanchez (an injured sanchez). The kid is good no doubt and has a great future ahead of him..but you have to Look at GSP list..Trigg, BJ Penn, Sherk, Hughes….He took these guys out.

Koscheck fans need a reality check. Destroying Hughes? Come on now. I would love to see this big mouth take on Penn. I hope GSP just teaches this kid a lesson on Saturday.

I say GSP vs Serra rematch
Hughes vs Koscheck
on the same card titled…UFC 80 – Shut Your Mouth

by Deyo on Aug 24, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Exciting strategy..what the hell is he talking about..Your telling me you going to do something that nobody else has ever done..Sorry KOS but this isn’t the WWE and the Honkey Tonk Stomp, the Rolling Thunder and the Rock Bottom wont work….If you read between the lines all I see is ..Man if I make a mistake I am in for a whopp’n.

by Deyo on Aug 24, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice try KOS…wow wicked strategy…never seen that before.

by Deyo on Aug 26, 2007 1:55 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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