UFC President Dana White announced at today’s press conference for UFC 113 that the winner of the fight between Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley this Saturday will become the new #1 contender to face current UFC Welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre.
In addition to a title shot, the winner Saturday night may also become an opposing coach against St. Pierre on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. Filming on the new season is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
Koscheck (16-4) previously fought St. Pierre in 2007, after St. Pierre lost his title to Matt Serra. Koscheck lost a unanimous decision in what proved to be a very competitive and entertaining fight.
Since losing to St. Pierre, Koscheck has won five of his seven fights. He lost a decision to Thiago Alves at UFC 90 and was knocked out by Paulo Thiago at UFC 95. Since fighting on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, Koscheck has gone from a pure wrestler to one of the best all-around fighters in the world. He has finished fights with his hands, feet, and submissions.
Daley (23-8-2) has won four fights in a row, including two wins since joining the UFC against Martin Kampmann and Dustin Hazelett. Daley has lost just two times in his last 13 fights, coming at the hands of Jake Shields and Nick Thompson.
Daley has some of the most feared hands in MMA. His left hook is a great weapon, and 18 of his 23 career wins have come via knockout.
Koscheck and Daley will be on right before the main event between Lyoto Machida and Mauricio Rua on Saturday night. Machida-Rua may have been the Match of the Year in 2009, but Koscheck and Daley have the potential to steal the show, and the winner could build a ton of momentum going into a title fight with St. Pierre.
