Tag: Josh Koscheck

And Now He’s Fired: Cody McKenzie Sent Packing After Bizarre UFC on FOX 9 Performance Against Sam Stout


(Stout, seen here fighting off a beach bum who snuck his way past securi-what’s that? The man in basketball shorts *is* Cody McKenzie? My sincerest apologies. Photo via Getty.)

Aside from being one of the most unique people to ever pass through the TUF house, Cody McKenzie might be the least intimidating-looking guy to *ever* fight in the UFC, Fred Ettish excluded (all due respect to both men). With his mangy appearance and general “No fucks to give” attitude, McKenzie was a fighter who made his name as one of the most prolific one-trick ponies in the game, scoring 11 out of his 14 career wins by way of his patented McKenzietine choke.

Unfortunately, McKenzie was on borrowed time from the very moment he made the transition to the big leagues, and today brings word that he has been released by the UFC following his disastrous performance against Sam Stout at UFC on FOX 9. The announcement was made by none other than McKenzie himself via Twitter, and immediately followed up by a request to fight Shinya Aoki. Additionally, McKenzie informed us that he already has two fights lined up — one at 180 lbs and one at 170 — and would like to fight for the WSOF in the near future. Personally, I’m all for the idea of seeing McKenzie vs. Palhares with the stipulation that both men can attempt their signature submissions and nothing else for the entirety of the contest. Any takers?

Despite being shut down in the TUF 12 quarterfinals by Nam Phan, there’s no denying the resounding impact McKenzie had on the show, mainly thanks to his pair of McKenzietine wins over Amir Khillah and Marc Stevens and constant needling of Josh Koscheck. That’s what won him over in my eyes, at least.


(Stout, seen here fighting off a beach bum who snuck his way past securi-what’s that? The man in basketball shorts *is* Cody McKenzie? My sincerest apologies. Photo via Getty.)

Aside from being one of the most unique people to ever pass through the TUF house, Cody McKenzie might be the least intimidating-looking guy to *ever* fight in the UFC, Fred Ettish excluded (all due respect to both men). With his mangy appearance and general “No fucks to give” attitude, McKenzie was a fighter who made his name as one of the most prolific one-trick ponies in the game, scoring 11 out of his 14 career wins by way of his patented McKenzietine choke.

Unfortunately, McKenzie was on borrowed time from the very moment he made the transition to the big leagues, and today brings word that he has been released by the UFC following his disastrous performance against Sam Stout at UFC on FOX 9. The announcement was made by none other than McKenzie himself via Twitter, and immediately followed up by a request to fight Shinya Aoki. Additionally, McKenzie informed us that he already has two fights lined up — one at 180 lbs and one at 170 — and would like to fight for the WSOF in the near future. Personally, I’m all for the idea of seeing McKenzie vs. Palhares with the stipulation that both men can attempt their signature submissions and nothing else for the entirety of the contest. Any takers?

Despite being shut down in the TUF 12 quarterfinals by Nam Phan, there’s no denying the resounding impact McKenzie had on the show, mainly thanks to his pair of McKenzietine wins over Amir Khillah and Marc Stevens and constant needling of Josh Koscheck. That’s what won him over in my eyes, at least. After making the leap to the UFC and scoring a debut win over fellow TUF 12 castmate Aaron Wilkinson, McKenzie would drop a pair of submission losses to Yves Edwards and Wagner Rocha, leading many to believe that he would receive his walking papers right then and there.

Luckily, McKenzie was given another shot against four-time NCAA Division III championship wrestler Marcus LeVesseur at UFC on FUEL (remember those?) 3: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier. Clearly at a strength disadvantage, the “AK Kid” was outmuscled and outgunned by Levesseur in the early going, but only needed the smallest of windows to latch onto his signature guillotine and force the tap at just over 3 minutes into the first round.

McKenzie would make the drop to featherweight for his next fight. In what would become known as one of the most cruel matchmaking decisions in UFC History, McKenzie would be paired off against Chad Mendes, who had just challenged Jose Aldo for the featherweight title in his previous contest, at UFC 148. The fight lasted 31 seconds and saw McKenzie defeated via a brutal body shot TKO. Years later, matchmaker Sean Shelby would attempt to explain the circumstances that led to the booking of that slaughter, but has yet to outright apologize for it. A decision win over Leonard Garcia at UFC 159 would follow; the last of McKenzie’s UFC career.

Perhaps it’s appropriate that McKenzie’s final UFC fight would become memorable for all the wrong (also, bizarre) reasons — he was after all, one of the most peculiar, least “fightery” guys to ever step foot in the octagon. And although McKenzie may never rise to the level of a UFC or even a WSOF contender, he always came off as a friendly, heartfelt, and truly genuine guy at his core. And like we said, it’s hard to hate someone who never backed down from a fight, especially when that fight was with a loofah-haired, angry lip balm-applying, dickhead coach of a reality show competition.

We would like to wish Cody the best of luck wherever the road takes him, and to honor his equally memorable and improbable run in the UFC, we will pay tribute the only way we know how: With a grainy TV-recording of his TUF 12 fight against Team Koscheck’s #1 pick, Marc Stevens. We don’t think he’d want it any other way.

Shine on, you crazy son of a bitch.

–J. Jones

Josh Koscheck Wants to Fight Final 2 Fights on UFC Contract

Josh Koscheck has spent the better part of the past decade in the elite tier of the UFC’s welterweight division.
The Pennsylvania native and former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler from Edinboro University burst onto the sport’s biggest stage…

Josh Koscheck has spent the better part of the past decade in the elite tier of the UFC’s welterweight division.

The Pennsylvania native and former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler from Edinboro University burst onto the sport’s biggest stage as a standout from the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter. He went on to be a perennial contender in one of the UFC’s most talent-rich divisions.

“Kos” built an impressive resume as he collected victories over former champions and title challengers alike, and he garnered enough momentum to earn a title opportunity against 170-pound king Georges St-Pierre at UFC 124 back in 2010.

While Koscheck‘s success consistently kept him within striking distance of another title shot, things have taken an unusual turn for the Fresno-based fighter in the past two years. Where he had gone the first 22 showings of his career without ever having lost back-to-back fights, the 36-year-old has suffered defeat in his last three outings, the most recent of which came against Tyron Woodley at UFC 167 last November.

With two of the three losses coming by way of first-round knockout, and Koscheck‘s long-held role as one of the divisional elite apparently slipping, questions about his retirement lingered in the aftermath of his bout with Woodley in Las Vegas.

Koscheck recently spoke to Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com about his road ahead and expressed his intention to continue fighting inside the Octagon:

I’ve been training my whole life. I’ve never had a break. I feel like I need to get away and take some time off and enjoy life. At this point, I’m still coming back. I have two more fights on my contract, and I plan on fighting those out and seeing if I want to continue. I’m obligated to two more fights with the UFC. 

I’ve been called twice for fights, and I told the UFC, ‘no.’ I’m not ready yet. … A lot of fighters have no clue what it takes to get ready for a fight — the dedication it takes. That kind of preparation can take a toll on your body. 

Koscheck has two fights remaining on his UFC contract and plans to fulfill his agreement with the organization. That said, Koscheck did admit he needed some time off after his last fight and has been easing his way back into things before he agrees to take his next fight.

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Top 5 Heels in the UFC

Being a world-class bastard is an effective business strategy in the fight world. We like to see fighters viciously shut big mouths as much as we like to see them keep talking, depending on the person. Part of the fun of watching a fight is projecting …

Being a world-class bastard is an effective business strategy in the fight world. We like to see fighters viciously shut big mouths as much as we like to see them keep talking, depending on the person. Part of the fun of watching a fight is projecting ourselves onto the fighters, so heels give us the chance to either live large or beat the daylights out of someone who is. 

Here’s a list of the top five bad guys (and gals) currently fighting in the UFC. Going back in history would be far, far too time consuming.

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UFC 167 Results: What Does the Future Hold for Josh Koscheck?

Regardless of rank, stature or proven track record, a string of three successive defeats is a burden that every UFC fighter looks to avoid—generally speaking, it’s a telltale sign that walking papers are sure to follow.
With his third consecutive…

Regardless of rank, stature or proven track record, a string of three successive defeats is a burden that every UFC fighter looks to avoid—generally speaking, it’s a telltale sign that walking papers are sure to follow.

With his third consecutive loss at the hands of Tyrone Woodley at UFC 167, that is the exactly the predicament that Josh Koscheck now finds himself in. Worse yet, it’s his second straight defeat by way of knockout.

Given his tumultuous recent history, it comes as no surprise that—in the interim between his departure from the Octagon and the UFC 168 post-fight press conference—he brought a possible retirement to UFC President Dana White‘s attention . 

Yet it appears that, according to the brass at Zuffa headquarters, he’s got some fight left in him. Addressing the media during the post-fight scrum, White made it known that Koscheck wouldn’t be cut from the roster.

But in spite of the push from the top, we cannot ignore the ominous nature of Koscheck considering retirement.

A look at his last five fights makes it clear that shaky doesn’t do his recent run justice.

Even if we focus on the victories, the outlook is bleak.

His last win over a relevant opponent? Mike Pierce almost two years ago. The last time he managed to stop an opponent? A knockout that sent a withered shadow of the titan formerly known as Matt Hughes into retirement.

Yet fighters manage to return from a string of defeats and, in rare occasions, use the burden as a means to reignite their passion for the sport.

Perhaps Koscheck‘s good standing with the UFC, paired with his deep experience, might be reason for him to take a tuneup fight or two.

In arguably the most telling sign of his future with the organization, White told MMAJunkie that he entered the Octagon after Koscheck‘s loss last night for a particular reason. “I was worried about him because he got knocked out bad, and I just wanted to go in and make sure he was all right. I’ve got to talk to him and see if that was a retirement text he was sending me.”

Given his status as a tried-and-true veteran—not to mention his importance as a member of the pivotal Ultimate Fighter Season 1 cast—Koscheck will always arouse sympathy and appreciation from White et al. 

Ultimately though, it isn’t about the fans or the promoters.

If Koscheck feels that he’s reached the end of a storied MMA career, he should confidently hand up his gloves knowing that both his achievements and role in a few of the UFC’s most critical years are worthy of everyone’s respect.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Post-UFC 167 News Roundup: Hendricks-GSP II, Koscheck’s Future, And More


(The pre-fight UFC 167 press conference. The belt didn’t change places. / Photo via Getty)

UFC 167 left a terrible taste in our mouths.

The card was exciting, and the main event, after the last round but before the decision was announced, seemed like it was going to be a passing of the torch. Instead, we got a terrible decision that overshadowed the celebratory atmosphere around the UFC’s 20th anniversary show.

Now, we’re left with more questions than answers. Here’s what we know so far:

Josh Koscheck suffered a brutal KO loss to Tyron Woodley. One might think that the UFC would let Koscheck go since he’s a 35-year-old on a three-fight losing streak and they’ve cut other fighters for less. Yet Koscheck is going to stay in the UFC, at least if he doesn’t retire.

Dana White said that Koscheck will not be cut, and also stated that he had a soft spot for TUF season 1 veterans (aww). However, White also mentioned that he received a text message from Koscheck which “sounded like retirement” but that sometimes fighters say things after fights, presumably things they don’t mean.

White, unhappy (an understatement) about the decision in the main event, also ranted about the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“It used to be the best commission in the world…I’m fucking scared to come back here and do fights,” Yet, when pressed for specifics about how the UFC would proceed, White was mum. “What more can I do?” he said. “I just don’t know what else needs to be done. It’s unfortunate.”

Of course, the biggest issue we’re all waiting on is a rematch between Georges St.Pierre and Johny Hendricks. Will it happen?

Maybe.


(The pre-fight UFC 167 press conference. The belt didn’t change places. / Photo via Getty)

UFC 167 left a terrible taste in our mouths.

The card was exciting, and the main event, after the last round but before the decision was announced, seemed like it was going to be a passing of the torch. Instead, we got a terrible decision that overshadowed the celebratory atmosphere around the UFC’s 20th anniversary show.

Now, we’re left with more questions than answers. Here’s what we know so far:

Josh Koscheck suffered a brutal KO loss to Tyron Woodley. One might think that the UFC would let Koscheck go since he’s a 35-year-old on a three-fight losing streak and they’ve cut other fighters for less. Yet Koscheck is going to stay in the UFC, at least if he doesn’t retire.

Dana White said that Koscheck will not be cut, and also stated that he had a soft spot for TUF season 1 veterans (aww). However, White also mentioned that he received a text message from Koscheck which “sounded like retirement” but that sometimes fighters say things after fights, presumably things they don’t mean.

White, unhappy (an understatement) about the decision in the main event, also ranted about the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“It used to be the best commission in the world…I’m fucking scared to come back here and do fights,” Yet, when pressed for specifics about how the UFC would proceed, White was mum. “What more can I do?” he said. “I just don’t know what else needs to be done. It’s unfortunate.”

Of course, the biggest issue we’re all waiting on is a rematch between Georges St.Pierre and Johny Hendricks. Will it happen?

Maybe.

At the post-fight press conference, an infuriated White claimed that he wouldn’t let GSP take a furlough from the sport.

“I want what’s fair and that wasn’t fair,” White said about the decision. “You owe it to the fans, you owe it to that belt, you owe it to this company, and you owe it to Johny Hendricks to give him that opportunity to fight again, unless you’re gonna retire…There’s no ‘Hey listen I’m gonna go on a cruise and be gone for two years,’”

During the post-presser media scrum, Dana White, though much calmer, no-sold St.Pierre’s problems.

“His problems aren’t as bad as he thinks they are. They’re personal problems…it might seem like the end of the world, but it’s not.” “He’s a strong kid. He’ll get through this…he wants to fight…I’m very confident he’s going to work it out.”

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden seems to think that the rematch is more or less decided upon, which is likely but nothing is official yet, so don’t bank on it.

 

Post-UFC 167 News Roundup: Hendricks-GSP II, Koscheck’s Future, And More


(The pre-fight UFC 167 press conference. The belt didn’t change places. / Photo via Getty)

UFC 167 left a terrible taste in our mouths.

The card was exciting, and the main event, after the last round but before the decision was announced, seemed like it was going to be a passing of the torch. Instead, we got a terrible decision that overshadowed the celebratory atmosphere around the UFC’s 20th anniversary show.

Now, we’re left with more questions than answers. Here’s what we know so far:

Josh Koscheck suffered a brutal KO loss to Tyron Woodley. One might think that the UFC would let Koscheck go since he’s a 35-year-old on a three-fight losing streak and they’ve cut other fighters for less. Yet Koscheck is going to stay in the UFC, at least if he doesn’t retire.

Dana White said that Koscheck will not be cut, and also stated that he had a soft spot for TUF season 1 veterans (aww). However, White also mentioned that he received a text message from Koscheck which “sounded like retirement” but that sometimes fighters say things after fights, presumably things they don’t mean.

White, unhappy (an understatement) about the decision in the main event, also ranted about the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“It used to be the best commission in the world…I’m fucking scared to come back here and do fights,” Yet, when pressed for specifics about how the UFC would proceed, White was mum. “What more can I do?” he said. “I just don’t know what else needs to be done. It’s unfortunate.”

Of course, the biggest issue we’re all waiting on is a rematch between Georges St.Pierre and Johny Hendricks. Will it happen?

Maybe.


(The pre-fight UFC 167 press conference. The belt didn’t change places. / Photo via Getty)

UFC 167 left a terrible taste in our mouths.

The card was exciting, and the main event, after the last round but before the decision was announced, seemed like it was going to be a passing of the torch. Instead, we got a terrible decision that overshadowed the celebratory atmosphere around the UFC’s 20th anniversary show.

Now, we’re left with more questions than answers. Here’s what we know so far:

Josh Koscheck suffered a brutal KO loss to Tyron Woodley. One might think that the UFC would let Koscheck go since he’s a 35-year-old on a three-fight losing streak and they’ve cut other fighters for less. Yet Koscheck is going to stay in the UFC, at least if he doesn’t retire.

Dana White said that Koscheck will not be cut, and also stated that he had a soft spot for TUF season 1 veterans (aww). However, White also mentioned that he received a text message from Koscheck which “sounded like retirement” but that sometimes fighters say things after fights, presumably things they don’t mean.

White, unhappy (an understatement) about the decision in the main event, also ranted about the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“It used to be the best commission in the world…I’m fucking scared to come back here and do fights,” Yet, when pressed for specifics about how the UFC would proceed, White was mum. “What more can I do?” he said. “I just don’t know what else needs to be done. It’s unfortunate.”

Of course, the biggest issue we’re all waiting on is a rematch between Georges St.Pierre and Johny Hendricks. Will it happen?

Maybe.

At the post-fight press conference, an infuriated White claimed that he wouldn’t let GSP take a furlough from the sport.

“I want what’s fair and that wasn’t fair,” White said about the decision. “You owe it to the fans, you owe it to that belt, you owe it to this company, and you owe it to Johny Hendricks to give him that opportunity to fight again, unless you’re gonna retire…There’s no ‘Hey listen I’m gonna go on a cruise and be gone for two years,’”

During the post-presser media scrum, Dana White, though much calmer, no-sold St.Pierre’s problems.

“His problems aren’t as bad as he thinks they are. They’re personal problems…it might seem like the end of the world, but it’s not.” “He’s a strong kid. He’ll get through this…he wants to fight…I’m very confident he’s going to work it out.”

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Snowden seems to think that the rematch is more or less decided upon, which is likely but nothing is official yet, so don’t bank on it.