Erick Silva and Josh Koscheck got after it in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 62.
Both fighters threw a variety of haymakers early and often. Both Koscheck and Silva failed to connect, but it was clear their intent was to put on a show and end the fight early. The fight did not make it past the first round. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Snowden noted Koscheck's contribution to the sport of MMA:
Thanks to Josh Koscheck for helping define what it means to be a villain in MMA. He'll be missed. #UFCRio
— Jonathan Snowden (@mmaencyclopedia) March 22, 2015
Koscheck went for a desperation takedown, and Silva got a guillotine sunk in. He dropped down with the choke, and Koscheck was forced to tap. It was a big win for Silva and a closing of a chapter on Koscheck's UFC career.
This is what we learned from the UFC Fight Night 62 co-main event.
What We'll Remember About This Fight
The guillotine was not all that memorable, but the wild overhand rights by both were. We will remember the wind those two generated by throwing the heavy strikes.
If either man had landed flush, it would have been a big KO of the Night bonus-check winner. Unfortunately for the fans, but fortunately for their health, they didn't land. Other than that, it was not a particularly memorable fight.
They went out to put on a show. They accomplished that even with missing the bombs they threw.
What We Learned About Erick Silva
FightMetric's Michael Carroll highlights a key stat that Silva achieved with this win which ironically ties him with Koscheck in the history books:
Erick Silva earns his 6th 1st-Round finish in the UFC, tied for 2nd most in welterweight history. He ties...Josh Koscheck.
— Michael Carroll (@MJCflipdascript) March 22, 2015
He still fought a bit wild, but this looked to be a more tame Silva. We learned Silva is ready for another serious test in the division.
He exploded on the scene, but he quickly fizzled out. He shows all the tools to be a major threat in the division, but he needs to fight smarter. Saturday he fought smart. He got a bit wild, but he got wild at the same time Koshceck did. He didn't risk position.
Silva defended the takedown well and finished the fight. It was a solid performance from a fighter who could have big things in his future.
What We Learned About Josh Koscheck
We learned he is finish being a top welterweight.
He spent a lot of time away from the cage, and when he returned a lot of eyes were focused on how good he could be. Two submission losses in quick order prove that his time is done. Father Time waits for no man, and while Koscheck made big strides in his MMA career, he cannot make a final push up the ladder at 170 pounds.
What's Next For Erick Silva
How about Jake Ellenberger?
The UFC cannot treat Silva like a 20-year-old prospect at this point, and with two exciting fights against Matt Brown and Koscheck, he has earned another name in the division. A fight against Ellenberger sets the winner up for a big fight in the division.
Ellenberger and Silva both submitted Koscheck. This fight makes sense. It would make for a good co-main event for a future Fight Night event.
What's Next For Josh Koscheck
UFC president Dana White discussed his respect of the Season 1 participants on The Ultimate Fighter, which includes Koscheck:
I have a soft spot for season 1 guys. Koscheck has always been a fight anyone, anytime and anywhere like tonight. #respect
— Dana White (@danawhite) March 22, 2015
The UFC Hall of Fame.
His active fighting career is most likely over, and he has nothing left to prove. The sport is passing him by, but he should be inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame. He helped solidify the organization as a member of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter and was one of the shining examples of how the show can develop talent.
He was a top-tier welterweight for many years. He was involved in numerous exciting contests. He deserves that honor.
