JOSH KOSCHECK

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

RIGHT OVER HOOK

Level 3—Both Standing, Striking Range

Though its range won’t impress, this powerful hook has spelled disaster for Koscheck’s opponents in the past. Try landing this punch as you look to score a takedown on the feet.

LEG SWEEP DOUBLE LEGTAKEDOWN

Level 3—Both Standing, Striking Range

Koscheck has a dangerous right hand, but his real weapon in the stand-up battle is his ability to drive his opponent to the ground with a commanding double leg takedown.

SWEEP TRANSITION TO OPEN GUARD, TOP

Level 2—Sprawl, Bottom

Koscheck doesn’t give up on a takedown just because his opponent manages to sprawl and defend—he keeps driving forward with this sweep transition, forcing his rival onto his back anyway.

STRENGTHS

• Knockout power

• Athleticism

• Former NCAA champion

Welterweight contender Josh Koscheck has long been a force in the UFC, dominating his opponents with elite-level wrestling ever since his memorable run on the original season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Fight to your opponents’ weaknesses when using Koscheck, either using his wrestling to take them down and control them on the ground, or by using his wrestling “in reverse” to stuff takedowns and keep the fight standing, where he can smash his rival with his heavy hands and ever-improving boxing technique.

He isn’t very skilled at applying submissions, but he can bring down some pretty brutal ground-and-pound once he moves into dominant position—use his excellent wrestling to control most opponents on the mat, beating them senseless after you manage to secure the Mount.

WEAKNESSES

• Footwork

• Clinch grappling

• Submissions

Koscheck has been known to rock his opponents with his powerful right hand during stand-up exchanges, but elite strikers with superior footwork can outmaneuver him on the feet, scoring on him without as much risk of being countered.

He is still very dangerous in the striking game, however, and his takedown ability demands respect. Keep away from him and pick away with fast, long strikes from the outside.

If you trust in your fighter’s ability to control the clinch, try tying up with him to batter him with some dirty boxing or Muay Thai.

He’s too dangerous a grappler to risk rolling with to the ground, so focus on outmaneuvering him on the feet, and clinch up to limit this worthy welterweight’s explosive offense.