Josh Koscheck is a dominant wrestler, this much is a given, and despite his recent loss to Thiago Alves is still considered one of the top welterweights in the division, He should be the favorite in this fight and as such his standing as a top ten welterweight could be up for dispute if he loses this fight. With that in mind, Koscheck may play it safe and go for the win without taking too many chances in a bout he cannot afford to lose.

He has two options here, he could get the easy takedown and ground and pound from the guard to a safe but ultimately unentertaining decision, OR stay on his feet, and win a boring decision like his second bout with Diego Sanchez by jabbing and running away. I really believe it will be the latter and while I hope this is an exciting bout, with everything hinging on a win here I have my doubts.

Yoshida will not have the takedown defense to stop the takedown or get a takedown of his own UNLESS he is able to get an upper body tie up and secure a judo throw. Getting Koscheck on his back or securing a submission off a poor takedown attempt could be his best opportunity for victory. Whether his judo acumen will play a factor in this fight may actually depend on Kosheck’s strategy more than Yoshida’s and as such I am going with the TUF 1 veteran via decision. 

PREDICTION: Koscheck over Yoshida via unanimous decision Rd 3