Less than two years ago, former Strikefroce LW champion Josh Thomson was on his way towards a UFC title shot vs. then-champion Anthony Pettis. Today, following his third consecutive defeat inside the Octagon and the expiration of his UFC contract, news has come in that Thomson will not return to the promotion. MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani has the details on Thomson's expected deal with Bellator MMA:
According to sources with knowledge of the situation, the UFC declined to offer Thomson a new contract once his most recent one expired following his loss to Tony Ferguson last month. As a result, Thomson is close to finalizing a new deal with Bellator MMA, which would reunite him with his long-time promoter Scott Coker. That new contract is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Thomson (20-8, 1 NC) is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Tony Ferguson last month in San Diego. It was his first non-split decision defeat since a UD setback vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri in 2010. The highlight of Thomson's UFC return was a shocking knockout win over Nate Diaz, which netted him a title shot vs. Pettis, but he then lost the chance when Pettis pulled out with an injury. Back-to-back split decision losses vs. Ben Henderson and Bobby Green soon followed for the 36-year-old.
And so starts the next (and likely final) chapter on Thomson's arguably under-appreciated MMA career. Controversially denied the Strikeforce belt in his 3rd fight with Gilbert Melendez, then denied a chance to become UFC champion due to the champion's injury, Thomson is on the verge of reuniting with Scott Coker in Bellator MMA. Fights with the likes of Michael Chandler, Patricky Pitbull, Melvin Guillard, and Marcin Held waiting for him. Bellator's reigning lightweight champion is Will Brooks.