Backlash Begins: Koscheck Knocks Hardy’s Title Opportunity
Jake Rossen Nov 18, 2009
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.
Speaking to Heavy.com, Koscheck -- who lost to St. Pierre in 2007 and trains with Mike Swick, whom Hardy defeated last weekend -- discredited the opportunity, alleging that promoters are “just trying to get someone for St. Pierre to beat up.”
“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.
Speaking to Heavy.com, Koscheck -- who lost to St. Pierre in 2007 and trains with Mike Swick, whom Hardy defeated last weekend -- discredited the opportunity, alleging that promoters are “just trying to get someone for St. Pierre to beat up.”
“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.
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