Erik Koch, a native of Cedar Rapids, IA, who is just 21 years old loves the fact that he is cast as the underdog against the older Wagnney Fabiano.

"People think I look like some really young kid and don't think I'm as experienced as I am," said Koch.

Most of those people were left in his wake on the path to his undefeated reign as Mainstream Lightweight and Midwest Cage Championship Featherweight campaigns. 

"I've been training since I was 4 years old. It started with Tae Kwon Do and at age 10, I started training Jujitsu and grappling," Koch explained.

With an undefeated record and quality wins over PRIDE and WEC veteran Joe Pearson, Will Schutt, and standout Eric Wisely... Erik's experience should not be in question.

Mark Peel of FiveKnuckles.com recently sat down with Erik Koch to discuss his upcoming bout at WEC 43, his training, and his family.

FiveKnuckles.com:  Your going to be fighting top 5 ranked Wagnney Fabiano at WEC 43, what have you been doing to train for this fight?

Erik Koch:  I train at HardDrive in Cedar Rapids with Steve Carl, Bill Kamery, and Tom Grubb.  I also crosstrain in Wisconsin at Roufusport with Alan Belcher, Jesse Lennox, and Anthony Pettis.

FiveKnuckles.com:  What do you know about Wagnney Fabiano?

Erik Koch:  I used to watch him fight in the IFL.  He has fought a friend of mine LC Davis and he pointed out that has good Jujitsu and is very strong.

Fiveknuckles.com:  How well do you think you match up with Fabiano?

Erik Koch:  I think I match up well.  I too have very good jujitsu and I have a height and reach advantage.

FiveKnuckles.com:  Would you like to make a prediction on the fight?

Erik Koch:  I respect him and know he has no quit in him, but I will win.  Probably by decision.

FiveKnuckles.com:  Is there a favorite fighter you would love to train with?

Erik Koch:  BJ Penn.  My mom is from Hawaii and we go there a lot.  I would like to go there and train.

FiveKnuckles.com:  Who is the toughest guy you have been in the cage with?

Erik Koch:  Eric Wisely.  During our fight I cut him really bad.  That guy was like the energizer bunny, It didnt effect him at all.  He's got a motor.  The only guy to take me the distance.

FiveKnuckles.com:  What kind of changes in your diet and training did you have to make to drop to featherweight from lightweight?

Erik Koch:  A lot, I love to eat.  I had to really change my diet by eating less.  My training regiment stayed about the same so I would have an advantage at the lower weight and not be weakened by cutting so much before a fight.

FiveKnuckles.com:  I'd like to thank you and wish you luck.  Is there anyone you would like to thank?

Erik Koch:  Thanks.  My parents- Doug and Gail Koch, My brother Keoni- who is my motivation in everything I do.  He pushes me harder than anyone else.  When I win a world championship, it will be because of him.  I'd also like to thank everyone I train with and the ZNA, I love you guys.