Reality show fever has once again swept UB, but this time around there won't be any sorority drama or fraternity panty raids. This time it's nothing but broken noses, concussions and one large referee screaming, "Let's get it on!"
About a month ago UB's own Josh Koscheck appeared on Spike TV's newest reality show, "The Ultimate Fighter."
Koscheck, who spent almost three full seasons as an assistant coach for the UB wrestling team, is on the show competing with 16 other hopefuls for a ready-made Ultimate Fighting Championship career. An avid ultimate fighting fan, Koscheck said his agent got him into the show.
"I totally have always been a fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championships. It's like the Super Bowl of mixed martial arts. It's the best in the whole world," said Koscheck. "I got involved in the show through my agent Dwain Zinkin Jr. He knew about the show and the UFC and the president of the UFC, Dana White actually knew a little bit about me and my personality and he basically called my agent and worked real hard to come up with a reasonable contract to get me on the show."
Coming from a strong wrestling background, Koscheck was an undefeated national champion during his distinguished college career at Edinboro.
"Most wrestlers dominate in the (UFC). I think with my wrestling background it kind of gave me an edge already because at any given second I can take the fight to the ground," said Koscheck.
Koscheck, however, knows that he can't rely on his wrestling strengths alone. With the growing popularity of the UFC, it's important that the fighters be strong in all aspects of mixed martial arts.
"In this sport now you have to cross-train a ton. There are kids that are getting really good at wrestling, kids are getting really good in submissions so you need to cross-train in everything," said Koscheck. "My base is wrestling and I just now have to build upon my base. I know how to wrestle, I've done it my whole life, now it's time to learn how to throw strikes, how to do submissions and Mau Tai and things like that."
Since moving from Buffalo to Fresno, Koscheck's life is now devoted to cross training. Following a strict three times a day workout routine, Josh has been working with many experts, including Lorenzo Neal of the San Diego Chargers, on physical conditioning as well as his stand-up game.
"This morning I got up at six. I did an hour worth of Pilates with a lady here in Fresno. Lorenzo Neal from the San Diego Chargers is one of my training partners here. He is putting me through sprint workouts and lifting workouts. So I've been working out a lot with him in the morning. We work on our Pilates then we go to a local high school track and do our sprint work," said Koscheck. "In the afternoon, I'm wrestling or sparring, and in the evening I'm hitting 12 to 15 rounds of mitts or shadow boxing."
In addition to his daily exercise routine, Koscheck has also been working with one of the UFC's biggest names, Chuck Liddell. Liddell, who is known for his strong stand-up game and knockout power, has been helping Koscheck improve his punches and kicks. Koscheck knows that he can also contribute to Liddell's game by helping him improve his grappling techniques.
"Me and Chuck Liddell have the same agent, actually, so I have trained with him before. We're pretty tight. Chuck's a great guy, he has some great stuff and I think we can help each other," said Koscheck. "My wrestling is up to date and Chuck's kickboxing is up to date. So hopefully we can trade services. Chuck's the greatest guy in the sport right now there's nobody bigger than him."
Although Koscheck enjoyed his time at UB coaching the wrestling team, he knew that he couldn't turn down an opportunity to achieve his dream as an ultimate fighter.
"I totally enjoyed my time at UB. They understand that this is like winning the lottery. It's to build a future for me. I feel I would be cheating myself if I stayed at UB and coached, vice versa, I feel I would be cheating the team if I'm only there half time," said Koscheck. "UB was great to me, I appreciate the opportunity to work there and I'm looking forward to take the next step in my career and my life."
Koscheck can't comment on whether he became "The Ultimate Fighter." However, he will make one promise.
"Someway or another I will be in the UFC. Whether it's via the show or after the show your going to see me fight in the UFC. I can guarantee you that," said Koscheck.
To see if Koscheck makes good on his guarantee, "The Ultimate Fighter" can be seen on Spike TV every Monday night at 11 pm.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
