Josh Koscheck (16-5) has always been a confident fighter who is willing to take on anybody in his path. Mike Pierce (13-4) will bring an interesting challenge to UFC 143, but Koscheck’s wrestling ability will prove to be the biggest difference maker in this fight.
Koscheck’s takedown ability is one of the best in the UFC. He does possess the ability to stand and deliver dominating right hands, but I believe that his best bet for victory would be to get Pierce on the ground early and often.
Putting Pierce down early in the bout will force Pierce to use more energy than he wanted, which will cause Koscheck to have the advantage if the fight goes deep.
The biggest question in this fight is: Will Pierce be able to perform well enough with his footwork, athleticism and takedown defense to stifle Koscheck’s game plan?
I don’t see him being able to handle the takedowns.
Georges St-Pierre is the best welterweight fighter in the world, and Koscheck stayed competitive through five rounds. He didn’t come out on top, but he at least threatened St-Pierre.
That tells you just how high of a ceiling Koscheck possesses. He isn’t the best fighter in the world, but he’s a notch below.
We’ll see that ceiling on-hand Saturday night against Pierce. He’ll use the clinch to set up his takedowns, wear out Pierce and finish him later in the rounds.
Pierce will see the fifth loss of his UFC career after being outworked by Koscheck.
Prediction: Koscheck wins by TKO in the second round.
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