Spoiler warning: If you're planning to watch Saturday night's tape-delayed UFC 95 broadcast on Spike and don't want to know what happened in the welterweight fight between Josh Koscheck and Paulo Thiago, you will want to skip this post.In the biggest MMA upset of the year so far, the little-known Brazilian welterweight Paulo Thiago defeated the well-known Josh Koscheck by first-round knockout today at UFC 95 in London.
Koscheck had been completely controlling the first round until Thiago suddenly connected with a brutal left uppercut to Koscheck's chin, followed by a left hook to Koscheck's ear. That sent Koscheck flat on his back, and although he appeared to be sticking his hands up to defend himself, the referee quickly stepped in and stopped the fight. It was the first career knockout win for Thiago, a Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist.
Koscheck thought the stoppage was too fast, and I think he was right. But that doesn't change the fact that it was a big-time win for Thiago in his UFC debut, and a major loss for Koscheck. Thiago's professional MMA record improves to 11-0, while Koscheck's falls to 12-4.
UFC 95 Photos
Rory Markham, right, attempts to punch Dan Hardy during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rory Markham punches Dan Hardy during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Rory Markham punches Dan Hardy during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy, right, connects with a devastating left hook against Rory Markham during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy watches Rory Markham recoil after his punch during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy quickly pounces on Rory Markham after his powerful punch during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy exalts after the ref stops his fight against Rory Markham at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy celebrates his first-round TKO of Rory Markham at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Dan Hardy celebrates his first-round TKO of Rory Markham at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Diego Sanchez knees Joe Stevenson during their match at UFC 95 on Feb. 21, 2009 in London, England.
Josh Hedges, UFC
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-21-2009 @ 5:33PM
Frederick said...
Big surprise i dont tbhink it was too early the way he went down i think he was defenseless
He was having the better up to that point disapointing for him but it happens I think he will grow from that lost
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2-21-2009 @ 9:44PM
Peter said...
I thought that stoppage was incredibly quick considering the fact that Koscheck was intelligently defending himself right as he hit the mat. Hands immediately went up, but the ref was on his way in before he even landed. My opinion, he got robbed
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2-22-2009 @ 10:39AM
Niv said...
Sorry Peter, I have no idea what you could possibly be talking about. The ref stopped Koscheck from being permanently brain damaged.
Thiago landed two perfect shots and Kos clearly fell back unconscious, Kos should thank Thiago for not even attempting to hit him as he saw his eyes had rolled back in his head. Did you see how much time actually passed with Paulo Thiago standing over Koscheck?
Let's face it these fighters are all in incredible shape and their bodies recover from trauma quickly, but the level of consciousnes that Koscheck was in as he was quickly coming back into consciousness is not enough for him to be able to defend himself against serious injury.
Thiago obviously knew he could have seriously hurt Koscheck and held up, I think he showed incredible restraint and class in doing so. Good win for Thiago.
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2-22-2009 @ 2:48PM
guapoa214 said...
Get over it. Two more shots to the head and Josh could have been seriously injured. His head might be hard but all brains are soft. They are not made to receive blows like an MMA fighter can deliver. Fight another day. Thank God you have your health. The list of brain damaged fighters would be to long to list here.
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2-23-2009 @ 3:12AM
mightisoy said...
it was a good stoppage by the ref and had Thiago not recognize that he had already hurt Koscheck with the one two combo he could have most likely pounced on him and it could have been much worse for the fallen foe.
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