Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson | “The Punk”
Ht: 5’10 – Wt: 155 – Age: 34
Born: California, USA
Fights out of: San Jose, CA, USA
Team: American Kickboxing Academy
Overall Record: 19-5
Promotion: Strikeforce
2012 Forecast:
Josh Thomson was the former Strikeforce lightweight champion and is arguably one of the top 10-15 lightweights in the world today. Thomson made his MMA debut in 2001, winning his first 5 fights, including a unanimous decision victory over WEC veteran Rob McCullough. Thomson signed with the UFC in 2003, impressively knocking out Gerald Strebendt in his UFC 44 debut. Thomson followed that up with a huge unanimous decision victory over veteran Hermes Franca that quickly sent him rising up the ranks of the UFC lightweight division. Thomson faced off against veteran Yves Edwards at UFC 49, where his undefeated streak came to a stunning end as he was knocked out by Edwards’ highlight-reel head kick. Thomson was sidelined for nearly a year before making his return at PRIDE where he won his only fight for the Japanese promotion, winning via submission over Daisuke Sugie. Thomson once again struggled with injuries as he was unable to compete for another 8 months. Thomson eventually signed with Strikeforce. Thomson’s first fight for Strikeforce had high stakes as he squared off for the vacant lightweight championship against future UFC veteran Clay Guida. Thomson lost via unanimous decision in a back-and-forth fight. Thomson bounced back by winning his next 6 fights, including victories over Duane Ludwig, Nam Phan, and Adam Lynn. Thomson was Strikeforce’s #1 lightweight contender, earning himself another opportunity to vie for the Strikeforce lightweight championship, now held by Gilbert Melendez. Thomson unseated the champion, Melendez, winning via unanimous decision. Thomson moved on to easily defeat Ashe Bowman before facing off once again against Melendez. Thomson was unable to keep up with Melendez’s frenetic pace, losing the title and fight via decision. Thomson bounce back 6 months later, defeating Pat Healy via 3rd round submission. He then squared off against perennial lightweight contender J.Z. Cavalcante. The fight was close throughout and could have gone either way, but Thomson escaped with a unanimous decision victory. Thomson was not so fortunate in his next bout as he was dominated by Tatsuya Kawajiri in Japan. Thomson struggled to stop Kawajiri’s takedowns and lost via unanimous decision. Thomson did not compete in 2011 due to a variety of injuries.
Thomson’s career seemed destined for greatness, but injuries and inconsistency have robbed him of what should have been a length career atop the lightweight rankings. Thomson has continually struggled in big fights. For whatever reason, Thomson will sometimes allow his opponents to dictate the pace and style of the fight. Thomson has excellent striking and usually solid wrestling skills. When Thomson is healthy and focused, he is one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. Yet, when Thomson struggles he tends to fight not to lose, abandoning his wrestling and easily losing focus.Thomson is 33 years old and his prime years are likely behind him. He is still capable of being a front-line contender in whatever promotion he fights for, but there are lingering questions about how Thomson’s body will hold up as he continues to get up there in age.
Josh Thomson Fight Record
Overall Record: 18-4
2008-2011 Record: 4-2
2011 Record: 0-0
2010 Record: 2-1
Loss | Tatsuya Kawajiri | Dec | Rd 3 | | 12/31/2010
Win | J.Z. Cavalcante | Dec | Rd 3 | Sforce| 10/09/2010
Win | Pat Healy | Sub | Rd 3 | Sforce| 06/26/2010
2009 Record: 0-1
Loss | Gilbert Melendez | Dec | Rd 5 | Sforce| 12/19/2009
2008 Record: 2-0
Win | Ashe Bowman | Tko | Rd 1 | Sforce| 09/20/2008
Win | Gilbert Melendez | Dec | Rd 5 | Sforce| 06/27/2008
