Erik Koch Tabbed as Jose Aldo’s Next Opponent; Could be UFC 147 or UFC 149

It appears Jose Aldo’s next opponent will be one that will gladly stand and trade with him.

Erik Koch looks like the “to be named opponent” for Aldo’s next title defense, whenever the UFC decides on a date for the featherweight champion to get back in action.

Sources close to the two fighters confirmed that Koch is the likely candidate to get the shot at Aldo, although bout agreements have not been issued for the 145-pound title fight showdown.

The main reason for that however is that Aldo’s title defense date has not been set in stone yet.

Originally, Aldo was going to fight at UFC 149 in Calgary on July 21, but with the recent loss of Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen 2 to the UFC 147 fight card in Brazil, UFC officials then shifted their focus to bringing Aldo back home for a main event bout instead.

While details are still being worked out, it appears Erik Koch will be the name called when Aldo’s fight is finally announced.

Assuming everything goes to plan, Koch will step into the fight with Aldo on a four-fight win streak, with three of those victories coming by way of knockout or submission.

Training under legendary coach Duke Rufous in Milwaukee, Koch has shown to be a dynamic striker with knockout power in both his hands and feet, and could present the most interesting match-up in the striking realm that Aldo has faced yet in the UFC.

Koch has been out of action since last September after defeating Ultimate Fighter winner Jonathan Brookins and was supposed to return in February against Dustin Poirier but an injury sidelined him.

While no injury is good, it appears the time off will benefit Koch as his return to action will likely include a title shot attached to it.

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