Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson
Born	Joshua Joseph Thomson; September 21, 1978 (age 48); San Jose, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Mixed martial artist, podcaster, commentator, analyst
Years active	2001–2020
Known for	Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, UFC competitor
Notable work	Co-host of "Weighing In" podcast

Joshua Joseph Thomson (born September 21, 1978) is an American figure in mixed martial arts, known as a podcaster, commentator, analyst, and former professional competitor. Since beginning his career in 2001, Thomson has competed within prominent promotions such as Bellator MMA, PRIDE, Strikeforce, UFC, and the World Fighting Alliance. He has held the titles of Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion and Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Champion during his tenure.

Background

Raised on the east side of San Jose, California, Thomson grew up as a person of mixed heritage—half European-American and half Mexican—which led to experiences with discrimination and frequent altercations. During middle school, an incident escalated when he struck the principal who attempted to intervene in a fight, resulting in his placement in juvenile hall. Subsequently, Thomson relocated to Idaho with his father, where he completed high school and participated in wrestling. He continued wrestling at North Idaho Community College and trained alongside Stanford University's wrestling team before leaving academia, concluding with a collegiate record of 40–3. In 2000, Thomson was involved in an alcohol-related confrontation that led to a felony aggravated assault charge; he served six months of a three-year term before being released early.

Mixed martial arts career

Thomson launched his professional MMA journey by securing two wins via knockout and submission. His third bout ended as a no contest against Norifumi Yamamoto. Following this, he achieved three successive victories, including a notable win over former WEC Lightweight Champion Rob McCullough, prior to entering the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Making his UFC debut at UFC 44, Thomson earned a first-round knockout victory against Gerald Strebendt. He then secured a decision win over Hermes Franca at UFC 46, but was later defeated by knockout at the hands of Yves Edwards in his subsequent fight.

Strikeforce

After compiling a 2-1 record in the UFC, Thomson moved to Japan to compete for PRIDE FC, where he won his only match by submission in the first round. He then signed with Strikeforce, making his debut in a title contest against Clay Guida for the vacant Strikeforce Lightweight Championship, which he lost via unanimous decision. Thomson rebounded with six consecutive wins, including significant triumphs over Duane Ludwig and Nam Phan, securing another opportunity to fight for the title.

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

Thomson was slated to defend his belt against Yves Edwards on November 21, 2008; however, he withdrew due to a ligament tear. A rematch with Melendez was scheduled for April 11, 2009, on Showtime but was canceled after Thomson sustained an ankle fracture. Another unification bout with interim champion Melendez set for August 15, 2009, was called off following Thomson’s leg fracture during training.

At Strikeforce: Evolution on December 19, 2009, Thomson lost a fast-paced title defense against Melendez by unanimous decision.

Despite breaking two ribs early in the fight, Thomson secured a rear naked choke submission over Pat Healy at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum. This victory earned him a black belt in Guerrilla jiu-jitsu awarded by Dave Camarillo.

On October 9, 2010, Thomson claimed a contentious unanimous decision win against Gesias Cavalcante at Strikeforce: San Jose. Later that year, he faced Tatsuya Kawajiri at the co-promoted DREAM and K-1 event Dynamite!! 2010, losing by unanimous decision.

Injuries continued to hinder his progress; he withdrew from a scheduled bout versus newcomer Maximo Blanco at Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov due to a foot injury.

Returning in March 2012, Thomson defeated K. J. Noons by unanimous decision at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey. The trilogy fight against Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight title occurred on May 19, 2012, at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier, where Thomson was defeated via split decision.

Return to the UFC

Following the closure of Strikeforce in January 2013, Thomson made his way back to the UFC, securing a TKO victory over Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 7 on April 20, 2013, with a head kick followed by punches. This win distinguished him as one of only three fighters to have finished Diaz and earned him his inaugural Knockout of the Night award.

Thomson was set to challenge then-UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis at UFC on Fox 9 in December 2013, stepping in for the injured T. J. Grant, but the matchup was called off due to Pettis sustaining a knee injury.

On January 25, 2014, Thomson headlined UFC on Fox 10 against Benson Henderson, suffering a contentious split decision loss. Although Thomson controlled more takedowns and maintained back control longer, Henderson landed significantly more strikes. Additionally, Thomson sustained a broken right thumb early in the fight, which hampered his effectiveness. After this defeat, Thomson suggested he might consider retirement.

Thomson was scheduled to face Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 12 in July 2014; however, Johnson withdrew because of injury and was replaced by Bobby Green. Thomson was edged out via split decision.

A fight planned for March 2015 against Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night 62 was canceled when Thomson pulled out due to an undisclosed injury.

Thomson went up against Tony Ferguson at UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee on July 15, 2015, losing by unanimous decision. Following this bout, Thomson’s contract expired and he opted not to renew with the UFC.

Bellator MMA

On August 11, 2015, Thomson inked a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA. He made his promotional debut on September 19, 2015, at Bellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1, submitting Mike Bronzoulis in the third round.

In his second appearance for Bellator, Thomson earned a second-round TKO victory over Pablo Villaseca at Bellator 147 on December 4, 2015. His third Bellator fight headlined Bellator 172, where he faced Patricky Pitbull and suffered a knockout loss in round two.

Thomson declared his retirement from mixed martial arts on January 28, 2020.

Personal life

Prior to embarking on his professional fighting career, Thomson worked within the construction industry. He currently co-hosts the podcast "Weighing In" alongside former MMA official "Big" John McCarthy, discussing topics related to MMA and combat sports.

Thomson made his acting debut in the action movie Fist of the Dragon released in 2014.

Championships and accomplishments

Strikeforce
- Strikeforce Lightweight Championship (One time)
- Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship (One time)
  - Successfully defended title once
- Most fights in Strikeforce history (13)
Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Knockout of the Night (One time)
Sports Illustrated
- 2009 Round of the Year vs. Gilbert Melendez on December 19; round five

Mixed martial arts record

Filmography

Year	Title	Alternative title	Role	Notes
2013	Fist of the Dragon	《龍拳》	Damon (lead actor)	Directed by Antony Szeto, Produced by Roger Corman, Featuring Josh Thomson, JuJu Chan, Ellary Porterfield, and Maria Tran
2013	Fight Life		Himself	Documentary focusing on MMA career

External links

Official website: http://www.joshthomson.com
Sherdog profile
UFC profile: josh-thomson