Josh Koscheck survived a three-round grapple-fest with Mike Pierce at UFC 143 to stay in the hunt for the welterweight title.
The fight was basically what we expected to see from the two elite wrestlers. They spent much of the match either up against the cage or on the mat. Both had control at one point or another but eventually, Koscheck was awarded the split decision.
It wasn’t an emphatic victory by any means, but it would have been unrealistic to expect Pierce to get knocked out or submitted. Every fight he’s lost has gone the distance.
Although it wasn’t spectacular, it was exactly what Koscheck needed. He didn’t have to make a statement against Pierce, he just had to survive. Now he’s in prime position to get a title shot in late 2012 or early 2013.
Barring some unforeseen setback, Koshceck will fight either Carlos Condit or Nick Diaz in his next fight. If he wins that, he will get his second chance to fight for the UFC welterweight throne.
Koscheck improved to 17-5 with his victory over Pierce. The 35-year-old has drastically improved his striking ability and, outside of Georges St. Pierre, I don’t think anybody in the welterweight division can touch him.
GSP is the only fighter to beat Koscheck since early 2009, and although Koscheck has already lost twice to the Canadian machine, he deserves another title shot, regardless of who’s holding the belt.
It certainly wasn’t pretty, but Koscheck’s victory over Pierce put him exactly where he needs to be.
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