If there are twelve steps to coping with Dan Hardy getting a title shot against Georges St. Pierre in 2010, Josh Koscheck is still somewhere around number one: denial.
“He doesn’t deserve a title shot,” Koscheck said. “It’s simple, but I don’t make those decisions.”
Those who do might see the value in British nationalism: the UFC boasted a huge gate in Manchester Saturday, but they have yet to be able to promote a title bid for a UK challenger. This was easily and immediately remedied with a Hardy win over Swick, a respected and durable opponent. St. Pierre has erased virtually everyone else in the division, so it’s not at the expense of a worthy contender, but it still smacks of a decision to further cement the brand in the land of fish and chips.
If Anthony Johnson finishes Josh Koscheck this weekend, it would bring him to 6-2, with six wins inside the distance and one controversial TKO loss via an eye poking. My recommendation to Johnson: conduct your post-fight interview doing your best Hugh Grant.