• UFC 143

Money the driving force for Koscheck

Josh Koscheck has revealed that his driving force is money ahead of Saturday's UFC 143 encounter with Mike Pierce.

All fighters have different reasons for putting their bodies on the line inside the Octagon, with some driven by the prospect of UFC gold, while others seek to put a roof over their family's head.

For Koscheck, it is all about putting extra digits in his bank balance, and he makes no attempt to hide it. Pierce does not resemble a big name for somebody who has twice fought Georges St-Pierre and recently beat Matt Hughes, but Koscheck does not care.

"I didn't really know who this guy was when I agreed to fight him. I remember he fought Jon Fitch but not too well," Koscheck said. "I think I remember that fight, he didn't get anything going until the very last minute. I know he called me out, so he must think he can win… but they all think that until I punch them in the face.

"But I get paid the same whether I am fighting Mike Pierce or [original opponent] Carlos Condit, so I don't care who I fight. I am a gold digger, I fight for money. You'd be a dumb SOB to fight for free but I do enjoy my job and I fight my ass off. I have a big mouth and I don't want to lose and I want to look good out there."

Pierce actually turned in a creditable performance when he fought Koscheck's team-mate Fitch, and he has since won four of his last five fights. When it comes to easy opponents, Pierce does not fit the criteria.

"Josh Koscheck knows who I am. He's pretending he doesn't because he is Josh Koscheck and that's what he does: he acts like this all the time. He's a bit of a jerk and that's his personality and that's just who he is and what gets him noticed," Pierce said.

"I hope he is overlooking me because Jon Fitch beat me. That was two years ago and I am a much better fighter now and, for that fight, I had a family issue to take care of which distracted me. I hope Josh is underestimating me, but I doubt it.

"I've been waiting and trying for an opportunity like this for years. I am impressed by Koscheck as a fighter. He fought for a title and has beaten a lot of top guys but there are still holes in his game I can take advantage of.

"I'm not 'new blood' but I am working my way up the chain of contenders and the win over this guy will be huge for me in 2012."

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