As reported by UFC.com, an injury suffered in training has forced top welterweight contender Diego Sanchez (19-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) out of a highly anticipated bout with Thiago Alves at UFC 90 (15-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC). It appears that Sanchez suffered torn rib cartilage, forcing him to withdraw from the bout.
With less than two weeks until the event, the UFC was able to replace Sanchez with anothertop welterweight in Josh Koscheck (11-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC). Koscheck is coming off a victory over Chris Lytle.
Josh owns a victory over Diego, so I don't really see this as being a less impressive matchup. And not to mention Josh is the kind of guy that is always in shape. In fact he states that "I've been in training since Chris Lytle, I haven't taken any time off, and he's a tough guy, so I've got to come in and fight him with my "A game"."
What does Thiago think about the change in opponent? Doesn't sound like he's too upset... "Josh Koscheck is a great fighter", Alves said, "and I think he's an even better matchup for me. I'm looking forward to fighting him, and I'm gonna knock him out".
A bold prediction from a confident Thiago Alves. Thiago is coming off a huge win, the destruction of Matt Hughes. However, Koscheck is younger, stronger and more well rounded than Hughes. So Thiago better bring his "A game" as well.
While I was looking forward to Diego and Thiago going at it (Diego is a fun fighter to watch - mainly because of his post fight interviews), this is sure to be a great match up as well.
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