Sherdog.com Preview: Ultimate Fight Night 5 Pt II

MENNE: 5’ 10”, 185 pounds, 31, Forest Lake, Minn., known as “The Warrior”

BACKGROUND: Fights out of his own Menne Combat Academy. Dave has won five four-man tournaments, two eight-man tournaments and competed in many others. He carries a professional MMA record of 39-13-2 but has likely fought close to 75 bouts.

MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Submitted UFC veteran LaVerne Clark (Pictures) via triangle choke at Extreme Challenge 5. Lost a decision to Shonie Carter (Pictures) in the final of the four-man tourney at Extreme Challenge 5. He also fought to a draw with Carter at Extreme Challenge 20. Lost a decision to UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes (Pictures) in the final of the four-man tourney at Extreme Challenge 21. Beat UFC veteran Dennis Hallman (Pictures) by decision at the Shooto 10th Anniversary show. Beat UFC veteran Jutaro Nakao (Pictures) by decision at Super Brawl 13. Beat UFC veterans Chris Lytle (Pictures) (by decision) and LaVerne Clark (Pictures) (by guillotine choke) to win the four-man tourney at Extreme Challenge 29. Lost a decision to PFC veteran Kiyoshi Tamura (Pictures) in RINGS King of Kings ’99 tourney. Beat PFC veteran Jose Landi-Jons (Pictures) by decision at WEF 9. Defeated UFC veteran Carlos Newton (Pictures) and two other opponents to win the Shidokan Jitsu Warrior’s War 1 lightweight tournament. Was stopped by PFC veteran Hayato Sakurai (Pictures) via cut stoppage at DEEP 10. Lost a decision to UFC veteran Falaniko Vitale (Pictures) at Super Brawl 33. Was stopped by TUF 3 competitor Ed Herman (Pictures) via corner stoppage at Extreme Challenge 63. Lost a decision to Shooto veteran Jake Shields (Pictures) at Rumble on the Rock 8.

UFC EXPERIENCE: 2-2. Beat Fabiano Iha (Pictures) by decision at UFC 24. Beat Gil Castillo (Pictures) by decision at UFC 33 to become UFC middleweight champion. Was knocked out by Murilo Bustamante (Pictures) at UFC 35 and was viciously KO’d by Phil Baroni (Pictures) at UFC 39

WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: Durability and experience. Few men in MMA have the experience of Menne. Having fought professionally for nearly a decade, there’s no chance of him being surprised by someone’s strategy. He also has the ability to adapt to his opponent. He’ll play the strategy game or he’ll go toe-to-toe.

KOSCHECK: 5’ 10”, 170 pounds, 28, San Jose, Calif., known as “Kos”

BACKGROUND: Josh was a four-time NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler at Edinboro College. Koscheck became Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champion four times and was the 2001 NCAA D-1 national champion with a wrestling record of 42-0. He has a professional MMA record of 5-1.

MMA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Submitted Cruz Chacon via neck crank at the King of the Rockies show. Beat TUF 2 veteran Luke Cummo by decision at Ring of Combat 6.

UFC EXPERIENCE: 2-2. Knocked out Chris Sanford (Pictures) at The Ultimate Fighter finale season one. Submitted Pete Spratt (Pictures) via rear choke at. Submitted via rear choke by Drew Fickett (Pictures). Finished Ansar Chalangov via rear choke at Ultimate Fight Night 3. Josh beat Chris Leben (Pictures) in their fight on The Ultimate Fighter season one. He was eliminated from TUF competition when he lost a split decision to Diego Sanchez (Pictures).

WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE BOUT: He has excellent wrestling skills. He uses the submission game to compliment his wrestling base. He’s quick, agile and always in shape.