Ultimate Fighting Championship

Koscheck leaning toward retirement?

Published Nov. 17, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Damon Martin

Josh Koscheck fell to defeat for the third consecutive time in a row on Saturday night at UFC 167, and for the second time in a row due to a knockout.

As customary in most post-fight situations, Koscheck quietly left the Octagon without saying much of anything to anybody and didn't appear at the UFC 167 post-fight press conference. Following his exit from the arena, however, Koscheck did take time to send UFC president Dana White a rather lengthy text message to let him know how he was feeling after the knockout loss to Tyron Woodley.

According to White, the text message sounded like Koscheck was leaning towards retirement from the sport after his most recent loss, but obviously he's not closing the door on any possibility until the former Ultimate Fighter season one alum makes his own decision.

"Josh sent me a huge text and his text sounded a little bit like retirement," White revealed when speaking to reporters after the press conference ended. "Which I don't ever mess with guys when it comes to retirement, but it might be a little premature for Josh, too. I still think Josh is one of the most talented guys out there. He fought a beast who was ready to go tonight. Josh hurt him tonight, and I love Koscheck. I love that kid. I love the way he fights, I love his attitude, guy gets booed out of the arena every time he comes in, but he still goes in and fights his ass off.

"When you're standing in the Octagon and you're looking across and Josh is standing there, you know you're in for a fight."

Koscheck has been a perennial top ten welterweight for the biggest part of his career and has battled for the championship in the past as well. His recent losing streak has left Koscheck well outside of the top ranked fighters at 170 pounds, but given his history with the company and standing with the UFC president he'll be allowed to make a decision about his future when he's ready.

"I've got to talk to him to see if that was a retirement text he was sending me," White said. "Listen, people are going to say what they're going to say — I've got a soft spot for the (Ultimate Fighter) season one guys."

share

Get more from Ultimate Fighting Championship Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Ultimate Fighting Championship