The co-main event of UFC 135: "Jones vs. Rampage" tonight (Sept. 24) in Denver, Colorado, featured the return of Josh Koscheck after eight months away from action to take on longtime veteran and former champion Matt Hughes.

"Kos" had been asking for this fight for as long as it was even a possibility and after an injury to Diego Sanchez provided an opening, he jumped at it with the same fervor he did his title shot against Georges St. Pierre.

Hughes, for his part, is now simply searching for the right path to retirement. He only wants exciting fights and he absolutely does not want to go out on a loss.

He may have to after tonight.

That's because Koscheck knocked him out, just like he said he would, in the closing seconds of the very first round.

Koscheck came out looking a bit tentative, the same way he said he wouldn't in the lead-up to tonight's bout. Hughes was leaning on the jab, big time, and for obvious reasons. "Kos" was eager to answer, though, and his aggression was rewarded in the form of a near knockdown early in the opening round.

However, Hughes was doing his best impression of a wily boxer and landing some solid shots while moving in-and-out. His power was lacking, something that can't be said for Koscheck, who possesses one of the stronger punches in the welterweight division. 

Indeed, he used that same power to knock the "Country Boy" out right as the horn sounded to signify the end of the frame.

Hughes was saved by the referee just before he was saved by the bell. He said he didn't want to go out on a loss but is this the end?

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