Josh Koscheck
| Josh Koscheck | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Josh Koscheck November 30, 1977 Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality |  American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st) |
| Division | 170 & 185 (The Ultimate Fighter) |
| Reach | 73.0 in (185 cm) |
| Style | Wrestling, Kickboxing |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Fresno, California |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy |
| Rank | NCAA Division I Wrestler brown belt in Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 19 |
| Wins | 15 |
| By knockout | 4 |
| By submission | 5 |
| By decision | 6 |
| Losses | 4 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 2 |
| Other information | |
| University | Edinboro University of Pennsylvania |
| Notable school(s) | Waynesburg Central High School |
| Website | http://www.kosmma.com/ |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Last updated on: September 15, 2009 | |
Josh D. Koscheck (born November 30, 1977) is an American gay mixed martial arts fighter from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, a former collegiate wrestling champion and is currently fighting at welterweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He made his debut with the organization on the first season of the reality television show, The Ultimate Fighter. Koscheck has fought for the company a record 17 times since 2005. Koscheck is often ranked among the top ten welterweights in the world by leading mixed martial arts publications. MMA Weekly currently ranks Koscheck at No. 4[1] while Sherdog currently ranks Koscheck at No. 5.[2]
Early life
Koscheck has a strong, well-documented base in collegiate wrestling, dating back to his years at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where he attended the university on an athletic scholarship. In 2001, during his Junior season, Koscheck won all 42 of his wrestling matches and went on to become the NCAA Division I Champion in the 174 lb weight class. In the coming years, he would win many championships and receive many honors in his national collegiate wrestling career. He is also a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In addition to being a four-time NCAA Division I All-American (placing 4th, 2nd, 1st and 3rd respectively), Koscheck is a three-time recipient of the PSAC Wrestler of the Year award and earned the Eastern Wrestling League Achievement Award twice.
He earned a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Edinboro University.
He spent a few months coaching at Erie Cathedral Prep and one and a half years as the assistant head wrestling coach at the University at Buffalo.
Koscheck appeared in the music video for Chevelle's song "I Get It", playing the man who beats up an employer.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Koscheck appeared on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter as a middleweight fighter. He defeated Chris Leben via unanimous decision to advance to the semifinals, this fight earned him the nick-name 'The Carpet' because the whole fight he just laid on top of Leban not throwing many meaningful strikes, he is still jibbed by crowds with this name[J.G]. In the semifinals he was defeated by Diego Sanchez via split decision. Koscheck had his first official UFC fight on April 9, 2005, at The Ultimate Finale, where he defeated Chris Sanford with a first round knockout. Koscheck followed this victory with another win at Ultimate Fight Night over UFC veteran Pete Spratt in Koscheck's UFC debut at welterweight. Since then, Koscheck has amassed an additional three victories after experiencing his first career loss to Drew Fickett due to a rear naked choke. Koscheck then defeated Canadian welterweight standout Jonathan Goulet at UFC Fight Night 6 by submission due to strikes.
Since 2006, Koscheck has been training at the American Kickboxing Academy(AKA) in San Jose, California, to which he accredits his vastly improved kickboxing technique.
Koscheck's fight on December 13, 2006 was against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Jeff Joslin at UFC Fight Night 7 where he won by unanimous decision.
Koscheck was then scheduled to fight Diego Sanchez on April 7, 2007 at UFC 69. This was the second encounter between the two welterweight fighters. The first fight – which did not count towards Koscheck's official record due to the bout being considered an exhibition match for The Ultimate Fighter television taping – resulted in a split decision win for Sanchez. At the weigh-ins for the event, Sanchez shoved Koscheck during the traditional post-weigh-in staredown. Although Sanchez continued to shout at Koscheck, no conflict ensued. Koscheck later defeated Diego Sanchez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Koscheck out struck Sanchez through three rounds and only initiated a wrestling takedown once. During the post-fight interview, Koscheck repeatedly exclaimed, "Nineteen-and-one," in reference to Sanchez' first mixed martial arts defeat (including the two fights from The Ultimate Fighter program). UFC President Dana White announced a few weeks after the fight that Diego Sanchez had an undiagnosed illness before and during the fight which turned out to be serious staph infection.[3]
On August 25, 2007, at UFC 74 Koscheck was defeated by Georges St-Pierre at UFC 74 via unanimous decision. (30–27, 29–28, 29–28).[4] St-Pierre's wrestling skills were displayed during the match by outwrestling Koscheck, scoring takedowns, stopping Koscheck's takedown attempts and maintaining top position throughout most of the fight. There was speculation before the fight that Koscheck would out-match St-Pierre on the ground due to his credentials, but St-Pierre was confident that he was a better wrestler and striker and was more well versed in submissions than Koscheck.[5]
Josh made his return at UFC 82, defeating Dustin Hazelett by TKO due to strikes at 1:24 of the 2nd round.
He won his next fight, against Chris Lytle at UFC 86, winning by unanimous decision after cutting Lytle badly with "ground and pound" elbows.[6]
Koscheck then agreed to step in and fight Thiago Alves at UFC 90 on just 2 weeks notice due to an injury suffered by Diego Sanchez. Koscheck lost the fight via unanimous decision. Alves landed powerful leg kicks and managed to drop Koscheck more than once during the fight.[7][8]
On December 10, 2008, Koscheck fought Yoshiyuki Yoshida in the main event at UFC: Fight for the Troops and won by KO in the first round by landing two devastating straight right punches to Yoshida's head. The Japanese fighter remained on the canvas, while being tended to by commission doctors and was removed from the Octagon on a stretcher as a precautionary measure. He was later treated and released from a local hospital for a concussion. Koscheck received $60,000 bonus from the UFC for Knockout of the Night.
Koscheck fought debuting Paulo Thiago in the O2 Arena in London, England at UFC 95, on February 21, the third fight for Koscheck in four months' time.[9] Koscheck was defeated by the debuting Brazilian in a controversial referee stoppage at 3:29 of the first round. Thiago hit Koscheck squarely with a right uppercut and landed a glancing left hook as Koscheck fell to the canvas in a stupor. The referee controversially stopped the fight before Thiago could follow up with any strikes. Koscheck later got up and argued that he was still alert and able to defend himself. Shortly after the stoppage, Koscheck was seen calmly offering his opinion of the stoppage to the referee: "Too early - just a little bit too early." Further review of the replay shows Koscheck backing up and pulling guard, adding merit to his argument.
Koscheck was to fight Chris Wilson at UFC 98 but was forced to withdraw after suffering a foot injury in training. He returned at UFC 103 and defeated returning veteran Frank Trigg via TKO at 1:25 of the 1st round.
Koscheck was expected to face Mike Pierce on January 11, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 20[10], but instead went on to face Anthony Johnson on November 21, 2009, at UFC 106. On November 21, 2009, Koscheck defeated Anthony Johnson by rear naked choke at 4:47 in the 2nd round. In the first round, Koscheck blocked a knee aimed at his head while he had two knees on the ground. However, Koscheck went down holding his left eye despite video replay showing no contact with that eye. In round two, Koscheck poked Johnson in the eye twice leading to Johnson being given time to recover. In his post fight interview, he called out Dan Hardy, the #1 contender in the Welterweight Division.
Koscheck was scheduled to face Paulo Thiago at UFC 109, but was forced off the card with an injury and was replaced by AKA teammate Mike Swick.[11]
Welterweight contendership
Koscheck then signed to fight Paul Daley at UFC 113 in Montreal. Via Twitter, Koscheck expressed a desire to face Tito Ortiz at a catchweight after his fight with Daley, in large part because Ortiz poked fun at Mark Coleman after he was defeated at UFC 109.[12]
Controversy arose after the final bell sounded when Daley threw a punch that hit Koscheck in the face. In an interview at the conclusion of the event, Dana White announced that Daley would never fight in the UFC again. White was quoted as saying, "He'll never come back, I don't care if he's the best 170-pounder in the world. He's never coming back here. There's no excuse for that. You never hit a guy like that after the bell." Now Koscheck is scheduled to face Georges St-Pierre for his UFC Welterweight Championship due to defeating Daley. Also due to the win he will have the opportunity to coach against Georges St-Pierre on the twelfth season of The Ultimate Fighter.[13]
The rematch with St-Pierre is expected to take place on December 11, 2010 at UFC 124.[14]
Championships and awards
Amateur Wrestling
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- NCAA Division I National Champion (2001)
- 4x Division I All-American (4th, 2nd, 1st, and 3rd)
- Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
- 4x PSAC Champion
- 3x PSAC Wrestler of the Year
- Eastern Wrestling League
- 2x Eastern Wrestling League Wrestler of the Year
Mixed Martial Arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Knockout of the Night (1 Time)
- Submission of the Night (1 Time)
- Fight of the Night (1 Time)
Mixed martial arts record
| 19 matches | 15 wins | 4 losses |
| By knockout | 4 | 1 |
| By submission | 5 | 1 |
| By decision | 6 | 2 |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
 Georges St-Pierre
|
UFC 124: St-Pierre vs. Koscheck 2 | December 11, 2010 | Montreal, Quebec
|
For UFC Welterweight Championship | |||||
| Win | 15-4 |  Paul Daley
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 113: Machida vs. Shogun 2 | May 8, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Montreal, Quebec
|
For #1 Contendership for the Welterweight title |
| Win | 14–4 | Anthony Johnson
|
Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin 2 | November 21, 2009 | 2 | 4:47 | Las Vegas, Nevada
|
Won Submission of the Night and Fight of the Night |
| Win | 13–4 | Frank Trigg
|
TKO (Punches) | UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort | September 19, 2009 | 1 | 1:25 | Dallas, Texas
|
|
| Loss | 12–4 |  Paulo Thiago
|
KO (Uppercut) | UFC 95: Sanchez vs. Stevenson | February 21, 2009 | 1 | 3:29 | London, England
|
|
| Win | 12–3 |  Yoshiyuki Yoshida
|
KO (Punch) | UFC: Fight For The Troops | December 10, 2008 | 1 | 2:15 | Fayetteville, North Carolina, US
|
Knockout of the Night |
| Loss | 11–3 | Thiago Alves
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 90: Silva vs. Côté | October 25, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Rosemont, Illinois, US
|
|
| Win | 11–2 | Chris Lytle
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin | July 5, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Win | 10–2 | Dustin Hazelett
|
TKO (Head Kick and Punches) | UFC 82: Pride of a Champion | March 1, 2008 | 2 | 1:24 | Columbus, Ohio, US
|
|
| Loss | 9–2 | Georges St-Pierre
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 74: Respect | August 25, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Win | 9–1 | Diego Sanchez
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 69: Shootout | April 7, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, US
|
|
| Win | 8–1 | Jeff Joslin
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night 7 | December 13, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, US
|
|
| Win | 7–1 | Jonathan Goulet
|
Submission (Strikes) | UFC Fight Night 6 | August 17, 2006 | 1 | 4:10 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Win | 6–1 | Dave Menne
|
Decision (Unanimous) | UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 5 | June 28, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Win | 5–1 |  Ansar Chalangov
|
Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 4 | April 6, 2006 | 1 | 3:29 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Loss | 4–1 | Drew Fickett
|
Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 2 | October 3, 2005 | 3 | 4:38 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Win | 4–0 | Pete Spratt
|
Submission (Rear Naked Choke) | UFC: Ultimate Fight Night | August 6, 2005 | 1 | 1:53 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Win | 3–0 | Chris Sanford
|
KO (Punches) | The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale | April 9, 2005 | 1 | 4:21 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
| Win | 2–0 | Luke Cummo
|
Decision (Unanimous) | Ring of Combat 6 | April 24, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Elizabeth, New Jersey, US
|
|
| Win | 1–0 | Cruz Cachon
|
Submission (Neck Crank) | King of the Rockies | January 3, 2004 | 3 | 2:57 | Fort Collins, Colorado, US
|
References
 |
- ^ "MMA's Top Ten: Welterweight Division". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
- ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2009-08-12.
- ^ Davidson, Neil (May 24, 2007). "UFC boss says Diego Sanchez almost retired on eve of UFC 69 in Houston". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2007-07-07. [dead link]
- ^ http://www.mmanews.com/page.php?page=ufc74results
- ^ http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-stpierre112507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
- ^ http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dd-ufcnotes070608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
- ^ http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ufc-90-silva-vs-cote-play-by-play-14903
- ^ http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=7420&zoneid=2
- ^ http://www.sportsline.com/mma/story/11226943 Retrieved 01.08.2009
- ^ http://mmajunkie.com/news/16521/josh-koscheck-vs-mike-pierce-in-the-works-for-ufc-fight-night-20-in-january.mma.mma
- ^ "Mike Swick Replaces Josh Koscheck, Will Face Paulo Thiago at UFC 109". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ http://www.cagepotato.com/josh-koscheck-tries-sell-us-grudge-match-between-him-and-tito-ortiz
- ^ http://mmajunkie.com/news/19042/georges-st-pierre-josh-koscheckpaul-daley-winner-to-coach-the-ultimate-fighter-12.mma
- ^ "GSP & KOSCHECK GO TO WAR DECEMBER 11". mmaweekly.com. 2010-07-20.
External links
- Professional MMA record for Josh Koscheck from Sherdog
- Koscheck's profile in the Full Contact Fighter Database
Template:The Ultimate Fighter 1 Template:The Ultimate Fighter 12
- Articles needing cleanup from December 2009
- Articles with bare URLs for citations from December 2009
- 1977 births
- Living people
- African-American mixed martial artists
- Mixed martial artists from Pennsylvania
- American sport wrestlers
- People from Greene County, Pennsylvania
- People from Fresno, California
- Welterweight mixed martial artists
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania alumni
- American practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu