Dustin Poirier vs. Erik Koch Announced for UFC 143

An exciting Featherweight matchup pitting Dustin Poirier (11-1) vs. Erik Koch (13-1) has been announced to take place at UFC 143, during the promotions annual Superbowl show taking place February 4th, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dustin Poirier is an exciting prospect who gained exposure by defeating number one contender Josh Grispi back in January at UFC 125. Since that time, Poirier has looked unstoppable defeating Jason Young by unanimous decision at UFC 131 and recently submitting Pablo Garza at the UFC on Fox show by way of D'Arce Choke in the second round.

Erik Koch is another young prospect who trains under Duke Roufus, who is one of the best striking coaches in the world and is considered the greatest Muai Thai trainer teaching outside of Thailand. A natural born striker, Koch debuted at UFC 128 knocking out Raphael Assuncao and then defeated Ultimate Fighter Season 13 winner Jonathan Brookins by way of Unanimous Decision in September.

A contest between two young and hungry competitors, this Poirier vs. Koch matchup will likely make the main card and will push the winner higher up the ladder for a possible title shot late next year against Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.

UFC 143 takes place February 4th 2012 and features Georges St. Pierre defending his Welterweight Championship against number one contender and Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz in the main event. Also rumored for the card is a number one contenders bout for the Welterweight Championship when Carlos Condit takes on Josh Koscheck.

Rumored card:
Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz for the UFC Welterweight Championship
Carlos Condit vs. Josh Koscheck
Dustin Poirier vs. Erik Koch