Josh H. Holmberg-USA Today Sports
UFC 164 features a dynamic featherweight bout between dynamic strikers Erik Koch and Dustin Poirier. The winner will put their name in the hat to challenge for the title, which is currently being held by Jose Aldo. Heading into this bout, both fighters are coming off devastating losses, so their will to win will be at an all-time high.
Poirier’s last performance was against Cub Swanson, who was able to outpoint him to win a unanimous decision. It set Poirier back and proved he still needed some work on his striking. Before this loss, Poirier was coming off an impressive performance against Jonathan Brookins where he was able to lock up a submission victory. He will need the same type of ferocity in his bout with Koch if he wants to come out the victor.
Koch also comes into this fight off a loss to heavy-handed striker Ricardo Lamas. In the bout, Koch was controlled on the ground and took quite a bit of punishment. If he wants to defeat Poirier, he will need to have sharpened up his grappling skills. On the feet, Koch is one of the most feared strikers in the division, and it helps that he trains alongside Anthony Pettis, who will be challenging Ben Henderson for the lightweight title on the same night.
This bout has the makings to be a war as both fighters have knockout power in their hands. The winner is one step closer to a title shot, so it will be interesting to see who wants it more.
