Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Tuesday’s quick mailbag entry comes from Nottingham, England, where Isaiah writes in to debate the outcome of Saturday’s Josh Koscheck vs. Paul Daley bout at UFC 113.
I just saw some odds for UFC 113 and I’m shocked that Semtex is a big underdog against Koscheck. Daley has won his last four whilst Kos has dropped two of five. He can’t touch Daley’s striking and heart. It’s going to get ugly in Montreal.
Mike Fridley: Sorry to ruin your day Isaiah, but I couldn’t disagree more. I have to side with the oddsmakers in this instance, as Koscheck has an enormous advantage in the wrestling department and experience that your hometown fighter just can’t match.
Although Daley (23-8-2) has competed in well over 30 professional MMA bouts, without question, this is the biggest fight of the Brit’s career. On the other hand, this is just old hat for Koscheck, who has faced the best of the best at 170 in his five years with the UFC. Saturday will mark the 32-year-old’s 17th duel in the Octagon (not counting TUF-eliminator bouts). This is an experience edge that can’t be overlooked.
As big as an advantage as the experience is, it’s nothing compared to the difference in wrestling ability that Koscheck (14-4) holds. I believe that the American Kickboxing Academy fighter has the skills to put Daley on his rear end and keep him there. Once this match hits the floor, the native of Waynesburg, Penn., possesses the tools to control, submit or pound out the dangerous slugger without much of a fuss.
I cannot argue that the Team Rough House knockout artist is the more explosive striker. He smoked two highly-respected welterweights in Dustin Hazelett and Martin Kampmann while hardly breaking a sweat. If he gets to Koscheck’s chin, he can surely end the contest with a single blow. I just don’t see it happening.
I expect this bout to unfold similar to Daley’s battle with Nick Thompson last February at MFC 20, except I don’t see it going the distance. Koscheck by rear-naked choke in round two.