"When I found out I got the fight, this is my dream and I've been trying to get it for a while. When I got the call, I'll tell ya I literally went to my living room, got down on my knees and just screamed at the top of my lungs. It's awesome. This is 23 years in the making. I've been doing this since I was a little kid and just to be here and to get a chance especially against such a dominant champion who is an awesome test. It's an awesome challenge. I'm just really excited."

-- So says the next featherweight title challenger at the UFC 149 announcement press conference earlier today. Roufusport product Erik Koch was a surprise selection to be Jose Aldo's next opponent at UFC 149 when he challenges for the 145 pound title in Calgary, Alberta, Canada later this summer (July 21, 2012). Koch is coming off a grueling unanimous decision victory over The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 12 winner Jonathan Brookins and was originally slated to face fellow upstart featherweight Dustin Poirier earlier this year at UFC 143 before injuries got in the way. Fortunately for him, his rehab coincided perfectly with Aldo's need for a worthy opponent. "New Breed" is currently riding a four fight winning streak which includes three stoppages ever since being controlled on the canvas by previous title challenger Chad Mendes back in the WEC. At just 23 years old, Koch could become the second youngest UFC champion, just one month short of beating Jon Jones' record set last March. Do you Maniacs think he's got a shot? Or will he be just another mark on Aldo's hit list?