After it was learned that Diego Sanchez had suffered a broken hand and could no longer compete at UFC 135, Josh Koscheck has apparently stepped up to replace him and challenge Matt Hughes.
Koscheck will only have about three weeks to prepare for the former UFC Welterweight champion, as he was last seen in the Octagon at UFC 124 against Georges St-Pierre. But Koscheck said he is prepared to fight once again.
“My job is to fight. It’s what I like to do,” Koscheck told USAToday.com.
“Matt Hughes is a nine-time UFC welterweight champion or something like that. He’s a good, quality opponent. I’ve told the UFC that from here on out, I only want big names and big fights.”
Koscheck has proven his status as one of the best welterweights in the world, facing such fighters as Paulo Thiago, Thaigo Alves and Georges St-Pierre, so there is reason to believe why he accepted the fight on short notice.
As for Hughes, who was on a comfortable run for a short period before losing to BJ Penn at UFC 123, he proved he still has the ability and passion to remain relevant and a competitive force in the 170 lb division. Hughes’ recent performances have Koscheck feeling confident that he’ll accept the bout, despite being on three weeks notice.
“He wants big-name fighters. He’s getting near the end of his career,” he said.
“I think he’ll take the fight because it’s good for the sport and good for the UFC.”
Whether his decision is good for the sport, or more for the sake of the event, UFC 135 will still hold some stability with a co-main event confirmed. And if anything, Koscheck said Hughes should accept the bout for himself.
“I told UFC I’d do it, and if Matt Hughes is man enough, he’ll step up and do it,” he said.
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