UFC 103 Matchup: Trigg Vs. Koscheck
On of the main card bouts for UFC 103 on Saturday night is between welterweights Frank Trigg and Josh Koscheck.
Koscheck enters the fight as the heavy favorite with a betting line of -370 with Trigg given a line of +280 according to online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com. Here is a closer look at both fighters heading into this bout, which will take place from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Tx. at 10PM ET on pay-per-view.
Josh Koscheck (14-4):
Strengths: Koscheck was part of the original cast of The Ultimate Fighter reality show and he first entered the UFC as a dominant wrestler that had little striking ability. Now, Koscheck has turned into more of a striker than a wrestler. Koscheck has a lot of power in his hands and he throws punches with the intent to end the fight as opposed to box. Koscheck still uses his wrestling skills to avoid takedowns and keep fights standing.
Weaknesses: While Koscheck has improved his striking, he is still not an elite striker that mixes up his combinations with kicks and jabs. When Koscheck throws a punch, he puts everything he has into it, which leaves him open to counter strikes and can tire his arms out in lengthy fights. Koscheck has been knocked just one time, and that was suspect, but Thiago Alves did rock Koscheck and was able to dominate him with superior striking.
Last Five Fights:
First round TKO loss to Paulo Thiago at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009
First round KO win over Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC Fight for the Troops on Dec. 10, 2008
Unanimous decision loss to Thiago Alves at UFC 90 on Oct. 25, 2008
Unanimous decision win over Chris Lytle at UFC 86 on July 5, 2008
Second round TKO win over Dustin Hazelett at UFC 82 on March 1, 2008
Frank Trigg (19-6):
Strengths: Trigg is a good all-around fighter that has had success with wrestling and striking, but is not elite in either category. Trigg has a lot of experience and has fought in UFC main events in the past, so his composure for this fight should be strong. Trigg looks to apply pressure to his opponents, mixing in quick jabs to get inside and score takedowns. That strategy may not go well in this fight, but Trigg has also been training in Las Vegas with Randy Couture’s Extreme Couture, which is known for putting together good fight strategies.
Weaknesses: Trigg has been known as a mentally weak fighter who has been broken in fights against Matt Hughes and Georges St. Pierre. Trigg has also been susceptible to the rear-naked choke, so his submission defense has not been the greatest. Trigg has been knocked out by Robbie Lawler, but his chin is pretty strong, as he has taken some beatings in the past without getting KO’d.
Last Five Fights:
Unanimous decision win over Danny Babcock at XCF on Feb. 14, 2009
Unanimous decision win over Falaniko Vitale at Strikeforce on Oct. 3, 2008
Unanimous decision win over Makoto Takimot at Sengoku on Aug. 24, 2008
First round submission win over Edwin Dewees at HDNet Fights on Dec. 15, 2007
Fourth round KO loss to Robbie Lawler at Icon Sport on March 31, 2007
Who will win: Koscheck seems to be the better fighter, but coming off a KO loss where he was the heavy favorite, Koscheck may come into the fight timid. Koscheck wins this fight by landing harder strikers and getting explosive takedowns on Trigg. Trigg wins the fight by controlling Koscheck on the ground, which will be difficult, since few have been able to take Koscheck to the ground. I think too many things are in Koscheck’s favor for this fight, and I see him breaking Trigg in the final round to score the TKO win.
Additional Line: Over/Under 9.5 minutes for fight length. Over (-130) and Under (even).