Interviews
- If the Fans want it, Forrest Griffin would Fight Tito Ortiz Again
- Bryan Lashomb: An Elf with a Giant Opportunity
- Diego Sanchez opens up about Jake Ellenberger, Nick Diaz and GSP
- Another Pro Wrestler Crosses Over Into MMA: Diamond Dallas Page
- Lorenz Larkin Talks pre Fight Rituals While getting his Nails done
Play It Safe or Make a Statement?
On May 8th at UFC 113, Josh Koscheck will face British striking sensation Paul “Semtex” Daley. Similar to his fight with Anthony Johnson, Koscheck faces a fellow striker with knockout power whom he has an advantage over on the ground. The one difference is that Daley is widely considered to be better than Koscheck when on his feet.
In recent interviews, Koscheck has said he has no problem going toe-to-toe with Daley. Though it is clear he is confident in his ability to win the fight no matter where it goes, it may not be a wise choice to stand and trade with “Semtex”. When he fought Anthony Johnson, Koscheck used his superior wrestling to take “Rumble” down and finish the fight with a submission even though he could have won the fight on his feet.
I believe Koscheck should approach the fight like he did against Johnson. With the winner of the fight getting a TUF 12 coaching spot opposite Georges St. Pierre and a shot at the title at the end of the season, fighting the smart fight should be Koscheck’s game plan. Being able to finish Daley on his feet would not only be impressive, but would show how much Koscheck has improved as a fighter since he last fought GSP back in 2007 at UFC 74. Making a statement would be great for him to do but he has too much riding on this fight and should go into it solely wanting to get the win, no matter how it happens. But knowing Koscheck’s style, no matter what happens, the fight should end in exciting fashion.
I think he is going to wear Daley down for 1 1/2 rounds on the mat trying for a Gnp / submission finish. I think he will end the fight and get the win becase he needs it. Staying standing and exchaning he knows this could turn into the paulo thiago fight real fast, and that will always be on his mind. Why stand and give the oppertunity when he can collect a nice check for playing it smart getting the win, and finally getting the title shot he deserves?
Also AKA is smart, they are getting better with gameplans and know where their fighters dominate fights. He may say he is going to come out swinging and hit a take downright away. It’s good to keep your opponent guessing.
@MMAquick
Fighters have always loved to say they are going to do one thing yet never really have plans to do that. It’s all mind games
I’m tired of hearing fighters say, “he’s never faced a fighter like me before”. Anyways, I think that Koscheck should follow the game plan as Johnson. If the winner is to face GSP next, Koscheck would be foolish to try to stand toe to toe with Daley’s left hook. Take Daley down and go for the sub or GNP and train for the title.