Josh Koscheck talks Bellator debut: I’m trying to test myself at age 39

Back in the summer of 2015, 10-year, 25-fight UFC veteran Josh Koscheck signed with Bellator MMA. Some 18 months later, he has still not made his debut with the organization.

This weekend, however, that will change.

On the main card of Saturday’s stacked Bellator 172 card, Koscheck will take on Brazil’s Mauricio Alonso. In advance of this anticipated comeback fight, The Ultimate Fighter season 1 veteran spoke with ESPN.com about his plans for his Bellator MMA career.

Apparently, the veteran will step into the Bellator cage with simple goal of testing himself. Money and title shots are not a priority.

“I’ve had a great career,” Koscheck said. “I’ve fought some of the best in the world. With what Bellator’s got going on, I can fight guys my own age, which is cool. I’m not in this to make money. I’m trying to test myself at age 39, see what I’m still capable of. And we’ll get to find out on Saturday.”

Koscheck then cited BJ Penn’s latest fight, which saw the legend TKO’d by the young Yair Rodriguez, as an example of the kind of fights he doesn’t want to take as a Bellator fighter.

“They fed BJ to the lions in that one, “he said. “If BJ were to come to Bellator, they’d put him in a good matchup that is something exciting for the fans. I hated to see BJ in that kind of fight, taking that kind of damage. That kid he fought is a stud.”

“BJ has money. He’s not fighting for money. He wants to compete. I also want to go in and compete, get my hand raised.”

Are you excited to see Josh Koscheck back in action this weekend? How do you think his Bellator debut will go? Sound off in the comments, PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 2/14/2017.