UFC welterweight stand out Josh Koscheck won't return to action until sometime in early 2008 (January or February) UFCmania.com (www.UFCmania.com) learned today.

The four-time NCAA Division I wrestling All American was penciled in to fight at UFC 79 on December 29. However, he was informed earlier this week that plans had changed.

"I'm no longer fighting in December," Koscheck told UFCmania.com this afternoon. "Now I'm told to be ready for January or February of next year."

Pressed for a potential opponent "Kos" indicated that he has not been approached with any specific names.

He did say, however, "I'll fight anyone. I want to fight the best guys at 170. The loss to Georges St. Pierre taught me a lot. I told [UFC President] Dana White before I even got into the lockeroom after that bout that I'd fight the next week if he'd let me. I'm itching to get back."

Koscheck, of course, dropped a unanimous decision to St. Pierre at UFC 74: "Respect" back in August. "Rush" is now poised for a title shot against the winner of Matt Serra and Matt Hughes on New Year's Eve weekend.

We'll post the entire interview with Koscheck later on this weekend -- he's got some interesting things to say about his loss to St. Pierre, his future with the UFC (he's finally completed his nine-fight obligation on The Ultimate Fighter contract from three years ago) and much more.

Stay tuned.