Despite losing five in a row, Josh Koscheck isn’t ready to call it quits on his MMA career.
On Friday, it was revealed that the former UFC welterweight title challenger had signed with Bellator MMA. Scott Coker, Bellator MMA President, announced the signing via Twitter.
Welcome to the family @JoshKoscheck #BellatorNation
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) June 27, 2015
At 37 years old, Koscheck spent almost his entire career inside the Octagon. Following an appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 1, in which he was eliminated by Diego Sanchez, Koscheck made his official UFC debut opposite Chris Sanford in April 2005.
Koscheck went on to pick up 15 UFC victories, beating Matt Hughes, Sanchez, Frank Trigg, Anthony Johnson and others. With a May 2010 win over Paul Daley, Koscheck earned a shot at then-champion Georges St-Pierre, but he was jabbed into oblivion by the Canadian and failed to capture the belt.
The last time Koscheck had his hand raised was in a split decision against Mike Pierce at UFC 143 in February 2012. As he has slowly faded out of title contention since then, many figured Koscheck would soon retire as a UFC fighter. However, Bellator MMA has clearly made it worth Koscheck‘s while to continue competing outside the Octagon.
Started my career on #SpikeTV & I’m going to finish my career here!!! Thank you @ScottCoker for… https://t.co/MhgHJLxIFh
— Josh Koscheck (@JoshKoscheck) June 27, 2015
Most big-name welterweights are competing under the UFC banner these days, but there is one glaring potential matchup for Koscheck within the Bellator MMA roster. In typical Koscheck fashion, the UFC veteran didn’t waste any time making his desired opponent known via a post on his Instagram account.
Only thing I want to do next…is b—h slap Paul Daley one more time!! Remember the ass kickin‘ I gave you?!!
So, it’s pretty clear who the top option is to welcome Koscheck to Bellator MMA. However, there are a couple other choices that could make sense for Koscheck.
Here are the most likely potential bouts to be booked for Koscheck‘s first MMA appearance outside the Octagon since an April 2004 showing against Luke Cummo at Ring of Combat 6.
Paul Daley vs. Dennis Olson Winner
At UFC 113, Koscheck and Daley met in a clash between two of the more potent trash talkers in the 170-pound division.
Predictably, Koscheck used his wrestling to control Daley on the ground en route to a decision win. Frustrated with his inability to stand in the bout, Daley threw a punch at Koscheck well after the final horn had already sounded.
Following Daley’s regrettable decision, he was permanently banned from the UFC and has since competed for several promotions such as Strikeforce and Bellator MMA. Aside from an exciting bout with Nick Diaz in April 2011, though, Daley has really been flying under the radar.
Having a rematch with Koscheck would be an excellent way for Daley to get back into the spotlight and show that he has improved.
Before that can happen, though, Daley would probably need to beat upcoming opponent Dennis Olson. Daley and Olson are set to meet at Bellator 140 in July, and wouldn’t it be something for Koscheck to enter the cage after a Daley win?
Michael Page vs. Rudy Bears
It’s less likely, but Bellator MMA may also look to use Koscheck to build up its up-and-coming welterweights right away.
Should that be the case, there might not be a more highly regarded prospect under the Bellator MMA banner than Michael Page. Fellow welterweight Chris Honeycutt is also receiving a good amount of attention, but he’s unlikely to compete against Koscheck because they train together.
Also at Bellator 140, Page will meet Rudy Bears. If he wins in impressive fashion and Daley loses or runs into injury problems, there’s a chance Page could fall into a great opportunity to elevate his standing against Koscheck.
Personally, I am more intrigued by Koscheck‘s matchups with wrestlers and would have been ecstatic about his Bellator MMA signing had Ben Askren still been with the promotion. However, the 170-pound class in Bellator MMA is very much a striking division at the moment.
So, Koscheck may be forced to go back to his wrestling roots in either of the two most likely bouts he has waiting for him in his new organization.
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