The UFC vs. Strikeforce theme is just about confirmed with the announcement today that former #1 contender Nate Diaz will welcome Josh Thomson back to the UFC this April at UFC on FOX 7 in the Bay Area. Comcast Sportsnet confirms:

Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson will return to the octagon on April 20 against Stockton’s Nate Diaz at "UFC on Fox 7."

Diaz is coming off a lopsided title fight loss against Ben Henderson at UFC on FOX 5 in Seattle. Prior to that he had reeled off 3 straight wins at 155 lbs, including wins against Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller. With this card scheduled for 4/20, there was never any doubt that at least one Diaz would be fighting in this event. Nate's brother Nick frequently fought on San Jose-based Strikeforce shows.

Thomson, who trains in San Jose with American Kickboxing Academy, is making a return to the UFC following an 8+ year absence after Yves Edwards famously knocked him out with a flying head kick. In Strikeforce he's fought Gilbert Melendez 3 times, all for the LW title, with Thomson winning the 1st time and Melendez taking the last two. The 3rd one was a narrow split decision that has very much affected the status of the evening's main event of Melendez against Ben Henderson.

This is the 3rd UFC vs. Strikeforce fight booked, with the aforementioned main event of Bendo/Gil and Frank Mir vs. Daniel Cormier as the others.

For more fight announcements, updates, and more, check out our brand new UFC roster list.

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