LAS VEGAS — Welterweight contender Diego Sanchez has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 90 bout against Thiago Alves due to torn rib cartilage, but the October 25th co-feature bout is not lost, as Josh Koscheck has stepped up to face Brazil’s “Pitbull.”

“Josh Koscheck is a great fighter, and I think he’s an even better matchup for me,” said Alves. “I’m looking forward to fighting him, and I’m gonna knock him out.”
 
A native of Fortaleza, Brazil, who now makes his home in Coconut Creek, Florida, the 25-year old Alves (21-4) is currently riding a six-fight winning streak that includes knockout victories over Matt Hughes and Karo Parisyan. But he will be put to the test by Koscheck next week.
 
Fresno, California’s Koscheck (13-2), a 2001 NCAA Division I wrestling champion, is on a bit of a winning streak himself, having stopped Dustin Hazelett and decisioned Chris Lytle already in 2008. A win over Alves will put the 30-year old even closer to a shot at the welterweight crown, but first things first, and his focus is squarely on his October 25th foe.
 
“I think he’s a tough opponent,” said Koscheck. “He’s on a tear right now in the UFC and for me to step up and fight him … I think it’s gonna be an exciting fight. I’ve been in training since Chris Lytle, I haven’t taken any time off, and he’s a tough guy, so I’ve got to come in and fight him at my ‘A’ game.”

— UFC PR