Everyone is, naturally, discussing Shogun/Machida II. It’s understandable given the brilliance of striking technique they displayed in their first light heavyweight title battle (which I still believe Shogun won, but I digress). There’s also plenty of buzz about fan favorite Kimbo Slice facing off against fellow alumnus Matt Mitrione, whom everyone loves to hate.
But what about Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley, who may be fighting for No. 1 contender status in the welterweight division? I’m seriously wondering if they’ll treat us to the best UFC fight of 2010 – for four main reasons:
1. Fearlessness. There’s absolutely no risk of an Anderson Silva/Demian Maia display here. Each of these guys is brash, fearless, and willing to put himself in harm’s way to launch an offensive attack. We should thus see a ton of action.
2. Punching power. Will either man put on a technical boxing clinic any time soon? I doubt it, but there’s no denying how hard Paul Daley and Josh Koscheck hit –especially Daley. They’ll throw fastballs at each other all night long.
3. Athleticism. These are two strong fighters with good cardio; that means they’re likely to give us an entertaining three rounds if neither guy can stop the other before then. Koscheck in particular brings real strength and an NCAA division-1 wrestling pedigree to the Octagon.
4. Trash talk. The purists may not agree but I always enjoy pre-fight verbal jabs, and few do a better job of that than Daley. He’s already gone on record with a “trivia question” about Koscheck, asking “For 10 points: Name that clown with the stupid hair who is the only guy ever to get knocked the f*&$ out by Paulo Thiago?’
Watch for my pick on this fight next week and be sure to watch UFC 113, as these two 170-pounders seem destined for a war.
By Matt Larkin
Guest Writer
Muay Thai North York, Toronto, Brampton, Etobicoke, Markham, Mississauga, Oshawa, Peel Region, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Vaughan, Woodbridge, York, York Region Ontario Canada.