| Josh Thomson | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Thomson in 2019 | |
| Born | (1978-09-21)September 21, 1978 (age 47) San Jose, California, US |
| Other names | The Punk |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1] |
| Weight | 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)[2] |
| Division | Lightweight |
| Reach | 71 in (180 cm)[1] |
| Fighting out of | San Jose, California, US |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy |
| Rank | Black belt inBrazilian jiu-jitsu[3] under Dave Camarillo[4] |
| Wrestling | NJCAAWrestling[5] |
| Years active | 2001–2020 |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 3 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 32 |
| Wins | 22 |
| By knockout | 7 |
| By submission | 9 |
| By decision | 6 |
| Losses | 9 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By decision | 7 |
| No contests | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record fromSherdog | |
Joshua Joseph Thomson (born September 21, 1978) is an Americanmixed martial arts podcaster, commentator, analyst and former mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2001, Thomson has competed inBellator MMA,PRIDE,Strikeforce,UFC, theWorld Fighting Alliance, and appeared atDynamite!! 2010. Thomson is a formerStrikeforce World Lightweight Champion and formerStrikeforce U.S. Lightweight Champion.
Thomson was born and raised inSan Jose, California, growing up in the east side of the city.[6][7] Beinghalf-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 ajuvenile hall. Afterwards, Thomson went to live with his father in Idaho where he went to high school and competed inwrestling. Thomson continuedwrestling atjunior college powerhouse,North Idaho Community College, and also trained with the wrestling team atStanford 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 requiredCPR 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.[8]
Thomson's professionalMMA career began with two wins by knockout and submission, respectively. His third fight ended in ano contest againstNorifumi Yamamoto. Thomson went on to win his next three fights, including a win over formerWEC Lightweight ChampionRob McCullough before debuting in the UFC.
Thomson made his debut in the UFC atUFC 44 defeatingGerald Strebendt byknockout in the first round. He would then pick up a decision victory overHermes Franca in an incredible fight atUFC 46, before falling victim in his next fight to a highlight reel knockout finish at the hands ofYves Edwards.[9]
Thomson went 2-1 in theUFC before leaving and opting instead to go overseas to Japan and fight forPRIDE FC. He won his sole fight in PRIDE by submission in the first round. Thomson then signed withStrikeforce and made his debut againstClay Guida in a title fight for the vacantStrikeforce Lightweight Championship losing by unanimous decision. Thomson would go on to win his next six fights, including victories overDuane Ludwig andNam Phan earning him another shot at the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
On June 27, 2008, he defeatedGilbert Melendez by unanimous decision atStrikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson to become the newStrikeforce Lightweight Champion.
On November 21, 2008, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch againstYves Edwards atStrikeforce: Destruction but had to pull out after tearing ligaments in his toe.[10]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 againstGilbert Melendez at Strikeforce's debut on theShowtime 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 crownedStrikeforce Interim Lightweight ChampionGilbert Melendez atStrikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg, but suffered a broken leg in training.[11]Mitsuhiro Ishida was selected to take Thomson's place against Melendez.[12]
On December 19, 2009, atStrikeforce: Evolution, Thomson fought Gilbert Melendez for the Lightweight Championship.[13] 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 foughtPat Healy atStrikeforce: 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 foughtGesias Cavalcante on October 9, 2010, atStrikeforce: San Jose where he won a controversial unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27).[14]
Thomson's next fight was againstTatsuya Kawajiri under the co-promotedDREAM,K-1 end of year eventDynamite!! 2010.[15] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Thomson was expected to face promotional newcomerMaximo Blanco atStrikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov but yet another foot injury forced him out of the bout.[16]
Thomson returned in March 2012 to faceK. J. Noons atStrikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey.[17] He won the fight via unanimous decision.
The trilogy rematch between Thomson andGilbert Melendez for theStrikeforce Lightweight Championship took place atStrikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier on May 19, 2012, with Thomson losing the fight via split decision.
Following the dissolution of Strikeforce in January 2013, Thomson returned to the UFC and facedNate Diaz on April 20, 2013, atUFC on Fox 7.[18] He won the fight viaTKO (head kick and punches), becoming the first of only three fighters (Hermes Franca & Jorge Masvidal) to finish Diaz. The win also earned him his firstKnockout of the Night bonus award.[19]
Thomson was expected to face current UFC Lightweight ChampionAnthony Pettis on December 14, 2013, atUFC on Fox 9, replacing an injuredT. J. Grant,[20] However, the bout was cancelled after Pettis pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury.[21]
Thomson facedBenson Henderson on January 25, 2014, in the main event atUFC on Fox 10.[22] Henderson defeated Thomson via split decision.[23] Many media outlets and observers were split on who they thought should have been declared the winner.[24][25][26] 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.[27] During the first round Thomson broke the thumb on his right hand, contributing to his inability to punch with much effectiveness.[28] 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.[29]
Thomson was expected to faceMichael Johnson on July 26, 2014, atUFC on Fox 12.[30][31] However, on July 11, Johnson pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced byBobby Green.[32] Thomson lost the bout via split decision.
Thomson was expected to faceGilbert Burns on March 21, 2015, atUFC Fight Night 62.[33] However, on February 26, Thomson pulled out of the fight with an undisclosed injury, while Burns remained on the card against a replacement.[34]
Thomson facedTony Ferguson atUFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee on July 15, 2015.[35] 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.[36]
On August 11, 2015, Thomson signed a multi-fight contract withBellator MMA.[37] He made his debut on September 19, 2015, atBellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1 againstMike Bronzoulis, winning via submission in the third round.
In his second fight for the promotion, Thomson faced Pablo Villaseca on December 4, 2015, atBellator 147.[38] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.
In his third fight for Bellator MMA Thomson facedPatricky Pitbull in the main event atBellator 172.[39] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.
On January 28, 2020, Thomson announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.[40]
Before becoming a full-time professional fighter, Thomson worked in construction.[41]
Thomson co-hosts the podcast "Weighing In" with former MMA referee "Big"John McCarthy about MMA and combat sports.[42][43]
Thomson made his acting debut inFist of the Dragon (2014).[44]
| 32 matches | 22 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 7 | 2 |
| By submission | 9 | 0 |
| By decision | 6 | 7 |
| No contests | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 22–9 (1) | Patricky Pitbull | KO (punch) | Bellator 172 | February 18, 2017 | 2 | 0:40 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Win | 22–8 (1) | Pablo Villaseca | TKO (punches) | Bellator 147 | December 4, 2015 | 2 | 3:59 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Win | 21–8 (1) | Mike Bronzoulis | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 142: Dynamite 1 | September 19, 2015 | 3 | 0:39 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Loss | 20–8 (1) | Tony Ferguson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee | July 15, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Loss | 20–7 (1) | Bobby Green | Decision (split) | UFC on Fox: Lawler vs. Brown | July 26, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Loss | 20–6 (1) | Benson Henderson | Decision (split) | UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson | January 25, 2014 | 5 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 20–5 (1) | Nate Diaz | TKO (head kick and punches) | UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez | April 20, 2013 | 2 | 3:44 | San Jose, California, United States | Knockout of the Night. |
| Loss | 19–5 (1) | Gilbert Melendez | Decision (split) | Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier | May 19, 2012 | 5 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | For theStrikeforce Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 19–4 (1) | K. J. Noons | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey | March 3, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | Strikeforce Lightweight title eliminator. |
| Loss | 18–4 (1) | Tatsuya Kawajiri | Decision (unanimous) | Dynamite!! 2010 | December 31, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Saitama, Japan | |
| Win | 18–3 (1) | Gesias Cavalcante | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II | October 9, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Win | 17–3 (1) | Pat Healy | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum | June 26, 2010 | 3 | 4:27 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Loss | 16–3 (1) | Gilbert Melendez | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Evolution | December 19, 2009 | 5 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | Lost theStrikeforce Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 16–2 (1) | Ashe Bowman | TKO (punches) | Strikeforce: At The Mansion II | September 20, 2008 | 1 | 1:14 | Beverly Hills, California, United States | |
| Win | 15–2 (1) | Gilbert Melendez | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson | June 27, 2008 | 5 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | Won theStrikeforce Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 14–2 (1) | Adam Lynn | KO (punches) | Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion | September 29, 2007 | 1 | 4:45 | Beverly Hills, California, United States | |
| Win | 13–2 (1) | Nick Gonzalez | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Baroni | June 22, 2007 | 1 | 1:42 | San Jose, California, United States | Defended theStrikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 12–2 (1) | Nam Phan | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Triple Threat | December 8, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | Won theStrikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 11–2 (1) | Duane Ludwig | Submission (guillotine choke) | Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello | October 7, 2006 | 2 | 4:36 | Fresno, California, United States | |
| Win | 10–2 (1) | Rocky Johnson | Submission (armbar) | Pride and Fury 5 | July 6, 2006 | 1 | 1:55 | Worley, Idaho, United States | |
| Win | 9–2 (1) | Harris Sarmiento | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Strikeforce: Revenge | June 9, 2006 | 3 | 3:19 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Loss | 8–2 (1) | Clay Guida | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie | March 10, 2006 | 5 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | For the inauguralStrikeforce Lightweight Championship. Guida was deducted one point for eye gouging. |
| Win | 8–1 (1) | Daisuke Sugie | Submission (kneebar) | PRIDE Bushido 8 | July 17, 2005 | 1 | 2:35 | Nagoya, Japan | |
| Loss | 7–1 (1) | Yves Edwards | KO (flying head kick and punches) | UFC 49 | August 21, 2004 | 1 | 4:32 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 7–0 (1) | Hermes França | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 46 | January 31, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 6–0 (1) | Gerald Strebendt | KO (punches) | UFC 44 | September 26, 2003 | 1 | 2:45 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 (1) | Rob McCullough | Decision (unanimous) | WFA 3: Level 3 | November 23, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 (1) | Kajan Johnson | TKO (submission to elbows) | SE: North American Sport Fighting Invitational | September 7, 2002 | 2 | 4:56 | Boise, Idaho, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 (1) | Doug Evans | Submission (triangle choke) | NW Submission Fighting 1 | May 4, 2002 | 1 | 1:29 | Boise, Idaho, United States | |
| NC | 2–0 (1) | Norifumi Yamamoto | NC (groin kick) | Shogun 1 | December 15, 2001 | 2 | 2:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | Accidental groin kick rendered Yamamoto unable to continue.[45] |
| Win | 2–0 | Víctor Estrada | Submission (triangle choke) | Gladiators Vale Tudo | March 10, 2001 | 2 | N/A | Worley, Idaho, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Jason Abajian | KO (punches) | Bushido 1 | January 18, 2001 | 1 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona, United States |
| Year | Title | Alternative title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Fist of the Dragon | 《龍拳》 | Damon (lead actor) | Produced byRoger Corman, Directed by Antony Szeto, Lead actors: Josh Thomson,JuJu Chan, Ellary Porterfield,Maria Tran |
| 2013 | Fight Life | Himself | MMA Documentary |
{{cite web}}:|first= has generic name (help)| Preceded by | 3rdStrikeforce Lightweight Champion June 27, 2008 - December 19, 2009 | Succeeded by |
