Josh Koscheck
Solid showing goes south quickly for Hall of Famer Hughes
After being on the receiving end early, Josh Koscheck connected late and stopped Matt Hughes in the final second of the first round. The loss could be the final appearance in the Octagon for the decorated former champion Hughes.
Taking the fight on 19 days notice, Koscheck earns a very good victory, his first fight since losing to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 124 last December. Hughes got the better of the American Kickboxing Academy product in the opening moments, but got caught with a number of heavy, overhand rights as Koscheck found his range.
While Hughes tried to battle through, grabbing a Thai clinch in an effort to stem the onslaught, Koscheck powered through, caught Hughes on the button, and pounded out a finish with hammerfists as Hughes tried to defend on the ground.
After the bout, Hughes told Joe Rogan that he wasn’t retiring, rather that he’d ask the UFC to put him on the shelf and decide at a later date.
The victory moves Koscheck back into the discussion in the 170 pound division. While he’s certainly a couple wins away from contention, the Ultimate Fighter alum proves again that he is one of the toughest outs in the welterweight ranks.