Recently, Karo Parisyan (16-4) disappeared from the rumored UFC 68 fight card on MMAWeekly.com. It was right around the same time that Josh Koscheck was added to the rumored UFC Fight Night 9 card.
Is something afoot in the UFC welterweight division?
Could be a mere coincidence, or perhaps we are going to see Koscheck put to the test against one of the best fighters in the division.
With wins over Jeff Joslin (5-3), Jonathan Goulet (16-7), Dave Menne (39-15-2) and Ansar Chalangov (7-3), Koscheck was a perfect 4-0 in 2006 and improved his overall record to an impressive 8-1.
These are all good fighters, but a rung (or few) below studs like Georges St. Pierre (13-1), Matt Hughes (40-5), Diego Sanchez and Parisyan.
So, is 2007 the year we see "Kos" step up his competition level?
Here's a snip from his blog:
All thought I'm not in any rush to get that [title] shot yet because I'm still learning MMA. I haven't been fighting for that all that long and I fill that my learning rate is improving every week! Also as fighter I'm taking the right steps to be the best fighter I can be! I've been training with a new Muay thai coach and he's helping my game out a lot.
After reading this, I realized that there is a reason he was a four-time NCAA Division I All American wrestler at Edinboro University — he never went to class.
Regardless, Koscheck's wrestling prowess is undeniable. And, it is a huge part of his arsenal.
However, he is often criticized for relying on in too much — and he offers no apologies for doing it. Like UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia, Koscheck doesn't get too much respect from fans who think that he is overrated because of his one dimensional style.
But, also like Sylvia, Koscheck wins fights.
So, there's not much to say about either fighter — they don't select the opponents.
However, a fight between Koscheck and Parisyan needs to happen. For one, some of the top contenders in the division can't keep fighting schlubs. It's time for them to start battling it out to clear up the pecking order in a loaded division.
And second, Koscheck needs to prove that he belongs in discussions when it comes to the top 170 pounders in the UFC.
April 5 at UFC Fight Night 9 is as good a time as ever.
Get the latest gear
