Bellator: Koscheck targeted for early-2016 debut, Daley possible in summer

Josh Koscheck

This coming year could be an interesting one in Bellator for former UFC title challenger Josh Koscheck.

The welterweight, who signed with Bellator back in June after a 10-year run with the UFC, initially was expected to fight at Bellator 147 on Dec. 4, though Bellator officials today told MMAjunkie that January is the current plan.

Koscheck (17-10 MMA, 15-10 UFC), who joined the UFC after appearing on the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2005, went 15-10 in the UFC. But five straight losses, including four consecutive stoppage setbacks, ultimately halted his UFC run.

Now, he looks regroup in Bellator, which has provided new life for a few notable UFC castoffs in recent years. In fact, one of them – former Koscheck opponent and rival Paul Daly (37-13-2 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) – could be a future opponent for “Kos.”

However, following this past weekend’s Bellator 144 event in Connecticut, Bellator President Scott Coker told MMAjunkie that Daley won’t be Koscheck’s first Bellator opponent.

“There’s no mistake: The big fight for Daley, in my mind, is him fighting Josh Koscheck,” he said. “Everyone wants to see that rematch.

“That’s one we’re going to try to put together in the summer of next year.”

Daley, who suffered a decision loss to Kosheck at UFC 113 in 2010 (and was then cut from the UFC roster after throwing a post-bout punch), is also likely to be booked for a Bellator fight before the potential rematch, Coker said. He said an announcement could be made soon about an upcoming fight for Daley.

For more on Bellator 147, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.