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Erik Koch - Ranking MMA

Erik Koch

11/06/2012 10263 Views by

Erik Koch | “New Breed”
Ht: 5’10 – Wt: 145 – Age: 24
Born: Iowa, USA
Fights out of: Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Team: Roufusport
Overall Record: 13-1
UFC Record: 2-0

Background:
Erik Koch is another rising phenom in the UFC featherweight division. Koch made his WEC debut in 2009 after racking up an 8-0 record on the independent circuit with wins over current UFC fighters Eric Wisely and T.J. O’Brien. Koch defeated veteran Jammel Massouh in his WEC debut via unanimous decision. Koch moved on to face fellow prospect Chad Mendes where he suffered his first career loss mainly due to Mendes’ superior wrestling. Koch has since rebounded winning his last four fights, including a highlight-reel knockout over Raphael Assuncao in his UFC debut.

2011 Breakdown:
Erik Koch fought twice in 2011, winning both fights via superior striking.
Koch was expected to make his UFC debut against Cub Swanson, but the fight was scrapped when Swanson went down with an injury.
Koch would then step in on short notice to face veteran grappler Raphael Assuncao at UFC 128. Koch pulled off the mild upset, dropping Assuncao with a huge right hand for the knockout victory. Koch was suddenly considered an overnight top contender in the division.
Koch would once again be booked opposite Cub Swanson, but Swanson came down with an injury for the second straight time.
Koch would bide his time, ultimately squaring off with The Ultimate Fighter 12 winner Jonathan Brookins. After a close 1st round, Koch found his stride and pulled out the unanimous decision victory by utilizing his striking and continually showing off his improved takedown defense and clinch work.

2012 Forecast:
Erik Koch may be the most talented striker in the featherweight division outside of Jose Aldo. Koch also has a strong submission game, and it seems the only thing that can stop his momentum is a high-level wrestler such as Mendes. Koch trains out of Roufusport, which has a host of up-and-coming strikers. Considering Koch’s age (23 y.o.) and current win streak, he seems destined for a long career atop the UFC featherweight rankings.

Erik Koch Fight Record

Overall Record: 13-1
2008-2011 Record: 8-1

2011 Record: 2-0
Win | Jonathan Brookins | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 09/17/2011
Win | Raphael Assuncao | KO | Rd 1 | UFC | 03/19/2011

2010 Record: 2-1
Win | Francisco Rivera | Tko | Rd 1 | WEC | 11/11/2010
Win | Bendy Casimir | Sub | Rd 1 | WEC | 06/20/2010
Loss | Chad Mendes | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 03/06/2010

2009 Record: 3-0
Win | Jameel Massouh | Dec | Rd 3 | WEC | 12/19/2009
Win | Tom Ahrens | Sub | Rd 2 | | 04/17/2009
Win | Will Shutt | Sub | Rd 2 | | 04/17/2009

2008 Record: 1-0
Win | Joe Pearson | Sub | Rd 1 | | 04/05/2008

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