Jose Aldo vs. Erik Koch to headline UFC 149 in Calgary, not UFC 147
Posted on April 28, 2012, 05:00 PM by Mike Drahota
The previously reported Featherweight title fight between Jose Aldo and rising contender Erik Koch that was rumored for UFC 147 in Brazil will now actually take place at UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on July 21. The move was made when it became clear that reigning champion Aldo would not be ready for the June 22 date of UFC 147. So, UFC 147, an event surrounded by a whirlwind of changing plans, will still seek a main event. All of the confusion has stemmed from a scheduling conflict in Rio de Janeiro, its original location, due to a UN conference that week.
Jose Aldo will come into his previously announced spot at UFC 149 riding high on a wave of momentum. After answering questions about his dominance with a brutal knockout of Chad Mendes in January, he sits with an amazing 14-fight win streak under his belt. Remaining high on the top of many pound-for-pound rankings list, Aldo brings a dangerous mix of Muay Thai and takedown defense that gives his opponents fits. The Brazilian has run through competition as of late and has been either rumored to face Frankie Edgar for the Featherweight belt or move up a class to Lightweight. Now, a third option has come to light.
Across the cage awaits Erik Koch. Koch is on a win streak of his own, having notched four in a row with two in the UFC. The Roufusport product fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin sits with only one career loss to his name. Koch also has seven submission victories under his belt, His most recent fight was a demolishing of the highly touted Jonathon Brookins. This shows he has he goods to compete in he UFC, but can he figure out the puzzle of Jose Aldo?
Further Reading: Jose aldo vs. Erik Koch in works for UFC 147 headliner
Comments
Btw you've put Poirer as the article pic instead of Koch
Omg Koch is going to die.
Aldo would have loved to fight in Brazil again--so why would he not be ready?
He probably needs to cut from MW to FW, and there was not enough time.
Two wins in the UFC is a winning streak?
This division is shallow.
I can't wait for Aldo vs. Mayday McDonald.
Big oops...Cruz vs. McDonald, my bad.
I should have said Aldo vs Edgar bout and rematch.
McDonald has been looking like an absolute savage. Would love to see him fight Renan Barao for a #1 contender spot if Barao wins his next fight.
FW is shallow, but don't make no mistake Erik Koch is an excellent fighter.
I am game to see McDonald fight any time--a BW with KO power. He also has a great situational awareness and timing--and a killer instinct.
When the card started I was getting sick of all the hyping of the Mac and Mc Donalds--and often something happens to spoil the hype.
But this time, both young fighters lived up to the hype--both fighters are finishers.
Would be interesting Barao and McDonald but I would rather see them both fight for the title soon since their both probably the best next contenders
Koch's only loss is to the guy Aldo just KO'd. I've always thought Joe Silva had an easy job and this confirms it. Tough kid and good guy but throwing him at Aldo? Really??