Josh Thomson

Last updated
Josh Thomson
Bellator-USO visit MCBH (1) (cropped).jpg
Thomson in 2019
Born (1978-09-21) September 21, 1978 (age 45)
San Jose, California, US
Other namesThe Punk
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) [1]
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st) [2]
Division Lightweight
Reach71 in (180 cm) [1]
Fighting out of San Jose, California, US
Team American Kickboxing Academy
RankBlack belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu [3] under Dave Camarillo [4]
Wrestling NJCAA Wrestling [5]
Years active2001–2020
Kickboxing record
Total3
Wins3
Mixed martial arts record
Total32
Wins22
By knockout7
By submission9
By decision6
Losses9
By knockout2
By decision7
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Joshua Joseph Thomson (born September 21, 1978) is an American mixed martial arts podcaster, commentator, analyst and former mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2001, Thomson has competed in Bellator MMA, PRIDE, Strikeforce, UFC, the World Fighting Alliance, and appeared at Dynamite!! 2010. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion and former Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Champion.

Contents

Background

Thomson was born and raised in San Jose, California, growing up in the east side of the city. Being half-European-American and half-Mexican, Thomson faced discrimination and got into fights often. In middle school, he was involved in a brawl in which the principal was punched while trying to break up the incident, resulting in Thomson being placed in a juvenile hall. Afterwards, Thomson went to live with his father in Idaho where he went to high school and competed in wrestling. Thomson continued wrestling at junior college powerhouse, North Idaho Community College, and also trained with the wrestling team at Stanford University [5] before deciding school was not for him. His college wrestling record was 40–3. In 2000, Thomson was involved in an alcohol-fueled brawl while on a lake cruise in Idaho. In the melee Thomson choked one man so badly that he required CPR and as a result, Thomson was charged with felony aggravated assault, serving six months of a three-year sentence before being released for good behavior. [6]

Mixed martial arts career

Thomson started out very strongly in his MMA career winning his first two professional bouts, before going to a no contest with Norifumi Yamamoto. Thomson would then go on to win his next three fights, including a win over former WEC Lightweight Champion Rob McCullough.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Thomson made his debut in the UFC at UFC 44 defeating Gerald Strebendt by knockout in the first round. He would then pick up a decision victory over Hermes Franca in an incredible fight at UFC 46, before falling victim in his next fight to a highlight reel knockout finish at the hands of Yves Edwards. [7]

Strikeforce

Thomson went 2-1 in the UFC before leaving and opting instead to go overseas to Japan and fight for PRIDE FC. He won his sole fight in PRIDE by submission in the first round. Thomson then signed with Strikeforce and made his debut against Clay Guida in a title fight for the vacant Strikeforce Lightweight Championship losing by unanimous decision. Thomson would go on to win his next six fights, including victories over Duane Ludwig and Nam Phan earning him another shot at the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.

On June 27, 2008, he defeated Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson to become the new Strikeforce Lightweight Champion.

On November 21, 2008, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch against Yves Edwards at Strikeforce: Destruction but had to pull out after tearing ligaments in his toe. [8] Duane Ludwig was selected to take Thomson's place on the card. On April 11, 2009, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch against Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce's debut on the Showtime Network, but had to pull out after breaking his ankle while training on April 1, 2009. Rodrigo Damm was selected to take Thomson's place on the card.

On August 15, 2009, Thomson was scheduled to unify his title with the newly crowned Strikeforce Interim Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg, but suffered a broken leg in training. [9] Mitsuhiro Ishida was selected to take Thomson's place against Melendez. [10]

On December 19, 2009, at Strikeforce: Evolution, Thomson fought Gilbert Melendez for the Lightweight Championship. [11] Thomson would lose the fight by unanimous decision, but the fight would see both fighters put it all on the line in what would prove to be a very fast-paced and exciting fight.

Thomson fought Pat Healy at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum and won by rear naked choke late in the 3rd round. After this win, Dave Camarillo granted him his black belt in Guerrilla jiu-jitsu. Thomson broke two ribs during the fight on Healy's very first takedown and fought the rest of the fight very defensively.

Thomson fought Gesias Cavalcante on October 9, 2010, at Strikeforce: San Jose where he won a controversial unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27). [12]

Thomson's next fight was against Tatsuya Kawajiri under the co-promoted DREAM, K-1 end of year event Dynamite!! 2010. [13] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Thomson was expected to face promotional newcomer Maximo Blanco at Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov but yet another foot injury forced him out of the bout. [14]

Thomson returned in March 2012 to face K. J. Noons at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey. [15] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

The trilogy rematch between Thomson and Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship took place at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier on May 19, 2012, with Thomson losing the fight via split decision.

Return to the UFC

Following the dissolution of Strikeforce in January 2013, Thomson returned to the UFC and faced Nate Diaz on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7. [16] He won the fight via TKO (head kick and punches), becoming the first of only three fighters (Hermes Franca & Jorge Masvidal) to finish Diaz. The win also earned him his first Knockout of the Night bonus award. [17]

Thomson was expected to face current UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9, replacing an injured T. J. Grant, [18] However, the bout was cancelled after Pettis pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury. [19]

Thomson faced Benson Henderson on January 25, 2014, in the main event at UFC on Fox 10. [20] Henderson defeated Thomson via split decision. [21] Many media outlets and observers were split on who they thought should have been declared the winner. [22] [23] [24] Thomson had one more takedown (5 to 4) and was able to secure Henderson's back on multiple occasions, while Henderson was able to significantly outstrike Thomson (114 to 33) over the duration of the bout and was credited with the bout's only submission attempt. [25] During the first round Thomson broke the thumb on his right hand, contributing to his inability to punch with much effectiveness. [26] Disappointed in the result of the Henderson bout, Thomson indicated in the post-fight press conference, that he may be "done" with the UFC or fighting. [27]

Thomson was expected to face Michael Johnson on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12. [28] [29] However, on July 11, Johnson pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by Bobby Green. [30] Thomson lost the bout via split decision.

Thomson was expected to face Gilbert Burns on March 21, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 62. [31] However, on February 26, Thomson pulled out of the fight with an undisclosed injury, while Burns remained on the card against a replacement. [32]

Thomson faced Tony Ferguson at UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee on July 15, 2015. [33] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Thomson's contract ended after his bout with Ferguson and he opted not to re-sign with the UFC. [34]

Bellator MMA

On August 11, 2015, Thomson signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA. [35] He made his debut on September 19, 2015, at Bellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1 against Mike Bronzoulis, winning via submission in the third round.

In his second fight for the promotion, Thomson faced Pablo Villaseca on December 4, 2015, at Bellator 147. [36] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.

In his third fight for Bellator MMA Thomson faced Patricky Pitbull in the main event at Bellator 172. [37] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

On January 28, 2020, Thomson announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. [38]

Personal life

Before becoming a full-time professional fighter, Thomson worked in construction. [39]

Thomson co-hosts the podcast "Weighing In" with former MMA referee "Big" John McCarthy about MMA and combat sports. [40] [41]

Thomson made his acting debut in Fist of the Dragon (2014). [42]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
32 matches22 wins9 losses
By knockout72
By submission90
By decision67
No contests1
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss22–9 (1) Patricky Pitbull KO (punch) Bellator 172 February 18, 201720:40 San Jose, California, United States
Win22–8 (1)Pablo VillasecaTKO (punches) Bellator 147 December 4, 201523:59 San Jose, California, United States
Win21–8 (1) Mike Bronzoulis Submission (arm-triangle choke) Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 September 19, 201530:39 San Jose, California, United States
Loss20–8 (1) Tony Ferguson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee July 15, 201535:00 San Diego, California, United States
Loss20–7 (1) Bobby Green Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Lawler vs. Brown July 26, 201435:00 San Jose, California, United States
Loss20–6 (1) Benson Henderson Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson January 25, 201455:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win20–5 (1) Nate Diaz TKO (head kick and punches) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 201323:44 San Jose, California, United StatesKnockout of the Night.
Loss19–5 (1) Gilbert Melendez Decision (split) Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier May 19, 201255:00 San Jose, California, United StatesFor the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
Win19–4 (1) K. J. Noons Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey March 3, 201235:00 Columbus, Ohio, United States Strikeforce Lightweight title eliminator.
Loss18–4 (1) Tatsuya Kawajiri Decision (unanimous) Dynamite!! 2010 December 31, 201035:00 Saitama, Japan
Win18–3 (1) Gesias Cavalcante Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II October 9, 201035:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win17–3 (1) Pat Healy Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum June 26, 201034:27 San Jose, California, United States
Loss16–3 (1) Gilbert Melendez Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Evolution December 19, 200955:00 San Jose, California, United StatesLost the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
Win16–2 (1)Ashe BowmanTKO (punches) Strikeforce: At The Mansion II September 20, 200811:14 Beverly Hills, California, United States
Win15–2 (1) Gilbert Melendez Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson June 27, 200855:00 San Jose, California, United StatesWon the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
Win14–2 (1)Adam LynnKO (punches) Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion September 29, 200714:45 Beverly Hills, California, United States
Win13–2 (1)Nick GonzalezSubmission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Baroni June 22, 200711:42 San Jose, California, United StatesDefended the Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship.
Win12–2 (1) Nam Phan Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Triple Threat December 8, 200635:00 San Jose, California, United StatesWon the Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship.
Win11–2 (1) Duane Ludwig Submission (guillotine choke) Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello October 7, 200624:36 Fresno, California, United States
Win10–2 (1)Rocky JohnsonSubmission (armbar)Pride and Fury 5July 6, 200611:55 Worley, Idaho, United States
Win9–2 (1)Harris SarmientoSubmission (arm-triangle choke) Strikeforce: Revenge June 9, 200633:19 San Jose, California, United States
Loss8–2 (1) Clay Guida Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie March 10, 200655:00 San Jose, California, United StatesFor the vacant Strikeforce Lightweight Championship. Guida was deducted one point for eye gouging.
Win8–1 (1)Daisuke SugieSubmission (kneebar) PRIDE Bushido 8 July 17, 200512:35 Nagoya, Japan
Loss7–1 (1) Yves Edwards KO (flying head kick and punches) UFC 49 August 21, 200414:32 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win7–0 (1) Hermes França Decision (unanimous) UFC 46 January 31, 200435:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win6–0 (1) Gerald Strebendt KO (punches) UFC 44 September 26, 200312:45 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win5–0 (1) Rob McCullough Decision (unanimous) WFA 3: Level 3 November 23, 200235:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win4–0 (1) Kajan Johnson TKO (submission to elbows)SE: North American Sport Fighting InvitationalSeptember 7, 200224:56 Boise, Idaho, United States
Win3–0 (1) Doug Evans Submission (triangle choke)NW Submission Fighting 1May 4, 200211:29 Boise, Idaho, United States
NC2–0 (1) Norifumi Yamamoto NC (groin kick)Shogun 1December 15, 200122:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United StatesAccidental groin kick rendered Yamamoto unable to continue. [43]
Win2–0Víctor EstradaSubmission (triangle choke)Gladiators Vale TudoMarch 10, 20012N/A Worley, Idaho, United States
Win1–0Jason AbajianKO (punches)Bushido 1January 18, 20011N/A Tempe, Arizona, United States

Filmography

YearTitleAlternative titleRoleNotes
2013Fist of the Dragon《龍拳》Damon (lead actor)Produced by Roger Corman, Directed by Antony Szeto, Lead actors: Josh Thomson, JuJu Chan, Ellary Porterfield, Maria Tran
2013 Fight Life HimselfMMA Documentary

See also

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Preceded by 3rd Strikeforce Lightweight Champion
June 27, 2008 - December 19, 2009
Succeeded by