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Currently competing in the UFC lightweight division, Josh Thomson, hails from San Jose, California. Also known as ‘The Punk’, he is an American MMA fighter and has been a professional competitor since 2001. Thomson has competed in PRIDE, Strikeforce, and the World Fighting Alliance and even appeared at Dynamite!!2010. Thomson is a former Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion and since January, 2014, he is ranked third in the official UFC Lightweight rankings.
The Punk started out very strongly in his MMA career winning his first two professional fights. His next one against Kid Yamamoto turned into a no contest after an accidental kick to Yamamoto’s groin rendered him unable to continue. After this incident though, Thompson went on to win his next three fights. In the UFC, he made his debut at UFC 44 defeating Gerald Strebendt by knockout in the first round. He wins one more after this, before losing the next. He loses this match in a spectacular manner, with a highlight reel KO finish by Yves Edwards. And so his journey at UFC ended. Thomson moved on to PRIDE with a record of 2-1 in the UFC and 7-1(1) overall. He won his single fight in PRIDE, after which he signed up with Strikeforce, losing his debut match with the company. However, he then went on to win his next six fights, earning him a shot at the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
On June, 2008, The Punk defeated Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision and became the new Strikeforce Lightweight Champion. The following years though, were not pleasant. Thomson was plagued with injuries and had to miss several title defense matches. Finally, on December, 2009, Thomson fought Gilbert Melendez for a rematch. He would lose the fight by unanimous decision but the fight would see both fighters put it all on the line and give it everything they’ve got. He continued fighting in Strikeforce until it’s dissolution, after which he returned to the UFC. After his return, he defeated Nate Diaz via TKO and earned his first Knockout of the Night bonus award. His last fight was against Benson Henderson, which he lost via split decision. Josh Thomson was disappointed with results of the Henderson bout and in the post-fight Press conference, that he may be ‘done’ with the UFC or fighting.
