Erik Koch says UFC 149 Title fight with Jose Aldo "23 years in the making"

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

23-year-old Erik Koch isn't one to shy away from a challenge. He hasn't fought since last September due to injury, but in his return after 10 months out of the cage he's hopping right into a title fight against UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.

It's an opportunity that perhaps came about due to a dearth of legitimate options, but regardless of where Koch stands in the featherweight ranks he was more than willing to step into this slot. At a press conference in Canada on Wednesday to officially announce the fight, Koch described his reaction once he got the fight.

"When I found out I got the fight... I literally went into my living room, got down to my knees, and screamed at the top of my lungs," he said (transcribed by MMAJunkie.com).

"This is 23 years in making. I've been doing this since I was a little kid. Just to be here and get a chance, especially against such a dominant champion who is an awesome champion, it's an awesome challenge. So I'm just really excited."

With his first headlining fight comes a lot of new responsibilities. This bout will require more promotion and media appearances from him, he'll be in the highest profile position of his young career, and he'll be taking on his toughest opponent as well. Still, despite what could be a daunting prospect for most his age, Koch doesn't think it will negatively affect him into the bout.

"There's a lot more exposure and things I've got to do, but to me, man, a fight's a fight," he said. "I've never really got super nervous before a fight. It's just something I love to do. So I don't think there will really be any jitters."

"To be on top of my game, I know I've got to be mentally sound and in that right place. I'm always good at getting there."

Penick's Analysis: This is a major opportunity for Koch, and really a win-win proposition. Most won't expect him to defeat Aldo, and if he does he becomes one of the youngest champions in the history of the UFC. If he loses, he'd only drop to 13-2, and he'd have a loss to the best featherweight in the world. At 23, he's got nothing but time in his career to make another run at a title. This is just a a really great opportunity for him, and if he pulls it off it will be huge.

Musse Hasselvall Daiki DJ taiki Hata He Peng David Heath Delson Heleno