Jose Aldo vs. Erik Koch to headline UFC 149 in Calgary, not UFC 147
The previously reported Featherweight title fight between Jose Aldo and rising contender Erik Koch that was rumored for UFC 147 in Brazil will now actually take place at UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on July 21. The move was made when it became clear that reigning champion Aldo would not be ready for the June 22 date of UFC 147. So, UFC 147, an event surrounded by a whirlwind of changing plans, will still seek a main event. All of the confusion has stemmed from a scheduling conflict in Rio de Janeiro, its original location, due to a UN conference that week.
Jose Aldo will come into his previously announced spot at UFC 149 riding high on a wave of momentum. After answering questions about his dominance with a brutal knockout of Chad Mendes in January, he sits with an amazing 14-fight win streak under his belt. Remaining high on the top of many pound-for-pound rankings list, Aldo brings a dangerous mix of Muay Thai and takedown defense that gives his opponents fits. The Brazilian has run through competition as of late and has been either rumored to face Frankie Edgar for the Featherweight belt or move up a class to Lightweight. Now, a third option has come to light.
Across the cage awaits Erik Koch. Koch is on a win streak of his own, having notched four in a row with two in the UFC. The Roufusport product fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin sits with only one career loss to his name. Koch also has seven submission victories under his belt, His most recent fight was a demolishing of the highly touted Jonathon Brookins. This shows he has he goods to compete in he UFC, but can he figure out the puzzle of Jose Aldo?
Further Reading: Jose aldo vs. Erik Koch in works for UFC 147 headliner