Koscheck, who was born on November 30, 1977, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, has had an illustrious career spanning over 2 decades in the world of MMA.
In this article, you will know Josh Koscheck’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Josh Koscheck’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josh Koscheck |
| Nickname | “Kos” |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1977 |
| Age | 46 years old |
| Place of Birth | Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Division | Welterweight |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) |
| Years Active | 2004-2017 (MMA career) |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
He began wrestling at the age of 5 and went on to have a successful collegiate wrestling career at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Early Career
Became the NCAA Division I National Champion in the 174-pound weight class in 2001.
Earned All-American honors in 4 consecutive years (1999-2002). Finished as the national runner-up in 2000, 4th in the nation in 1999, and 3rd in the nation as a senior in 2002.
Achieved a perfect 42-0 record during his national championship year in 2001.
Professional Career
Koscheck made his professional MMA debut in 2004 and quickly gained recognition after appearing on the first season of the reality TV show, The Ultimate Fighter.
He fought as a middleweight on the show, defeating Chris Leben via unanimous decision to advance to the semifinals, where he lost to Diego Sanchez by split decision.
Koscheck’s official UFC debut came on April 9, 2005, at The Ultimate Finale, where he defeated Chris Sanford by first-round knockout.
Wife
Koscheck has been married to Tiaira Nowlin, a realty agent, since 2017.
Josh Koscheck’s Net Worth Details
Josh Koscheck’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025.
Contract
Koscheck fought in the UFC for 10 years from 2005 to 2015, compiling a UFC record of 15-10 over 25 fights.
In 2014, Koscheck stated he had 2 fights remaining on his UFC contract at the time and planned to fulfill his agreement with the organization.
Koscheck expressed frustration with the UFC’s matchmaking and contract negotiation tactics in his later years with the promotion.
On June 26, 2015, it was announced that Koscheck had signed a multi-year, multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA after fighting out his UFC deal.
Career Earnings
| Event | Opponent | Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 143 (Feb 2012) | Mike Pierce | $146,000 | Includes a $73,000 win bonus |
| UFC 124 (Dec 2010) | Georges St-Pierre | – | Lost UFC Welterweight Championship fight |
| The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale (Apr 2005) | Chris Sanford | – | Won by 1st round KO in UFC debut |
Career Stats
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 28 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Win Percentage | 60.7% |
| Wins by Knockout | 6 |
| Wins by Submission | 4 |
| Wins by Decision | 7 |
| Losses by Knockout | 4 |
| Losses by Submission | 3 |
| Losses by Decision | 4 |
FAQs
1. Who is Josh Koscheck and what is he known for?
Josh Koscheck is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC and Bellator MMA. He gained fame as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 and was a top welterweight contender in the UFC. He fought professionally from 2004 to 2018, compiling a record of 17 wins and 11 losses.
2. What are Josh Koscheck’s notable achievements in wrestling?
Koscheck was an NCAA Division I National Champion in the 174-pound weight class in 2001, finishing the season undefeated at 42-0. He is a four-time All-American and a four-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champion, making him one of Edinboro University’s most decorated wrestlers.
3. How did Josh Koscheck perform in the UFC?
Koscheck competed in the UFC for over a decade, achieving notable wins against fighters like Matt Hughes and Anthony Johnson. He earned multiple performance bonuses, including “Knockout of the Night” and “Submission of the Night.” He also fought Georges St-Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship but lost by unanimous decision.
4. When did Josh Koscheck retire from MMA?
Josh Koscheck officially retired from mixed martial arts on June 28, 2018, after a career spanning 14 years. His last fight was against Mauricio Alonso at Bellator 172 in February 2017, where he lost via TKO.
5. What is Josh Koscheck’s fighting style?
Koscheck primarily utilized his wrestling background, being an NCAA Division I wrestler. Over time, he developed striking skills and submissions, earning victories through knockouts and rear-naked choke submissions during his MMA career.
6. Did Josh Koscheck ever compete outside of the UFC?
Yes, after leaving the UFC in 2015, Koscheck signed with Bellator MMA. He made his Bellator debut at Bellator 172 in February 2017 but lost his fight against Mauricio Alonso via TKO.
7. What is Josh Koscheck’s personal life like?
Koscheck is married to Tiaira Nowlin, a real estate agent, since 2017. Before this, he briefly dated model Holly Madison in 2010. He grew up with his mother and met his father only once when he was 18 years old.
8. Why is Josh Koscheck considered a controversial figure in MMA?
Koscheck developed a “bad guy” persona during his career, often engaging in trash talk to hype fights. While this made him polarizing among fans, some believe it was a defense mechanism stemming from personal struggles during his upbringing.
9. What records did Josh Koscheck set during his UFC career?
Koscheck set records for competing in one of the most bouts in UFC welterweight history (24) and tied for fifth-most finishes in the division (8). His aggressive fighting style earned him recognition as one of the division’s top competitors during his prime.
10. What motivated Josh Koscheck to pursue MMA after wrestling?
After excelling as a collegiate wrestler, Koscheck transitioned to MMA to test himself further as an athlete. His wrestling foundation provided a strong base for success in mixed martial arts, where he aimed to become a well-rounded fighter capable of competing at the highest level.
