Paulo Thiago vs Josh Koscheck 2 Rumoured For UFC 109UFC welterweight contender Josh Koscheck may get a chance to avenge his humbling February knockout loss to Paulo Thiago, as the pair are reportedly set to compete in a rematch at UFC 109, which takes place just shy of one year after their first meeting at UFC 95.

On that night, Thiago shocked Koscheck with a two-punch combination that left the dazed TUF alum flat on his back, but Koscheck will aim to both avenge the loss and continue his climb back up the ranks when the two meet again in Las Vegas.

Koscheck (14-4-0) made a critical error in overlooking Thiago before their first bout – going so far as the brag to the media that he had no idea who Thiago was – and paid dearly for that mistake when he was dropped by a picture-perfect uppercut-hook combination in the first round.

Up until the vicious punches from Thiago, Koscheck had been handily winning the fight and seemed to have his Brazilian opponent completely outclassed on the feet. Not so.

Thiago (12-1-0), who also works in an extremely dangerous anti-gang and anti-terrorism unit in Brazil, entered the Octagon at UFC 95 with an undefeated record and little to no fanfare. He left with his hand raised as Koscheck attempted to figure out what had just happened.

While the stoppage was panned as a “fluke” by some, Thiago showed exactly why it is imperative that a fighter should never overlook their opponent and he has since done well in two subsequent UFC appearances.

 

Following his victory over Anthony “Rumble” Johnson at UFC 106, Koscheck began disparaging top contender Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy and claimed that he should be the next title challenger for UFC Welterweight Champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre.

The UFC had other ideas for Koscheck, who previously lost to St. Pierre in one-sided fashion at UFC 74, and he will now have to rightfully fight and earn his way to the title.

Thiago also competed on the UFC 106 card and earned a Unanimous Decision in a close and competitive fight with Jacob “Christmas” Volkmann. He will look to make it two-for-two against Koscheck should the rematch go ahead as planned.

For Koscheck’s sake, he would be wise not to look past Thiago a second time because the results of UFC 95 are still fresh in the minds of all who witnessed it. A second loss to Thiago will all but end Koscheck’s hopes for a title shot.

 

UFC 109 takes place on February 6, 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.