Josh Koscheck dominant in UFC “Fight for the Troops” main event

Josh Koscheck is rightfully known as one of the best wrestlers in MMA, a four time NCAA Division 1 All American and the 2001 National Champion at 174 pounds.  His striking has improved remarkably during his professional MMA career, to the point where it is becoming as formidable his groundfighting skills.  His punching was on display in the main event of the UFC’s “Fight for the Troops” event where he defeated Yoshiyuki Yoshida with a devastating knockout that will definitely make the list as one of the best of the year.

On paper, the main event promised a classic ground battle between the wrestler Koscheck and the 4th degree judo black belt Yoshida.  When that didn’t materialize and Koscheck chose to strike with Yoshida it appeared to totally confuse the Japanese fighter.  Yoshida tried to keep Koscheck at distance with low kicks, but was caught quickly by a few of his opponent’s unorthodox but effective looping rights.  One of these appeared to cut Yoshida’s ear and as he retreated to the cage wall also represented the beginning of the end.  A big right hand by Koscheck clobbered Yoshida and though he somehow remained standing was clearly “out on his feet”.  Koscheck immediately responded with a second overhand right that left his opponent out cold on the cage floor.   Yoshida would remain on the floor for over ten minutes after the end of the bout.

Koscheck was also heartened by the military crowd and the enthusiastic response they gave him, and he responded by climbing to the top of the cage and saluting the servicemen and women in attendance.  It was a marked contrast to the typical reaction of boos and catcalls that Koscheck receives, though it’s difficult to understand why he’s such a hated “heel” among UFC fans.  He does come off as somewhat cocky and self confident, but those are psychological traits that are practically a prerequisite among professional fighters.  His performance in the cage certainly doesn’t justify it, as he’s one of those fighters who always “brings it”.  He’s certainly dedicated and trains like a monster—to the point that he rents a room in the back of the American Kickboxing Academy and lives there most of the time though he could obviously afford swankier digs.

The best all around performance of the night was turned in by Beaux Bridge, Louisiana based fighter Tim Credeur who showcased his rapidly improving standup skills as he defeated Nate Loughran by TKO.  Credeur, who was the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt in the state of Louisiana, completely dismantled Loughran over two rounds.  With the exception of a brief “ground and pound assault” that opened a cut under Loughran’s eye, Credeur kept this fight standing and scored repeatedly with his unorthodox punching style and a few kicks thrown in along the way to keep his opponent off balance.  Clearly beaten after having his head used as a speed bag for two rounds, Loughran didn’t answer the bell for the third round giving Credeur the win via TKO.