Josh Thomson Squares Off Against Tony Ferguson On July 15
A pivotal lightweight scrap between No. 9-ranked Josh Thomson and No. 13 Tony Ferguson has been added to July 15’s developing UFC Fight Night from the Valley View Casino in San Diego, California.
UFC officials confirmed the bout on the promotion’s website this afternoon.
Former Strikeforce lightweight champ Thomson has lost his last two bouts in the Octagon, the most recent a decision loss to Bobby Green at last July’s UFC on FOX 12. Prior to that, Thomson lost a closely contested split decision to former UFC champ Benson Henderson at UFC on FOX 10 after emphatically knocking out Nate Diaz in his UFC debut at UFC on FOX 7.
The 36-year-old veteran has since struggled to stay healthy, as he was forced to withdraw from his scheduled UFC Fight Night 62 co-main event against up-and-coming prospect Gilbert Burns after getting knocked out in practice.
He’ll face off with another rising prospect in The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 14 champion Ferguson, who last seen submitting longtime veteran Gleison Tibau with a first round rear-naked choke on the main card of February 28’s UFC 184 pay-per-view (PPV).
“El Cucuy” has won five straight bouts in the stacked UFC lightweight division, including three submissions and one knockout finish.
The talented wrestler will return to California for his latest bout and should solidify himself as a top contender if he’s able to get by the highly experienced “Punk” in San Diego.
But that’s no easy task, and Ferguson will undoubtedly be facing a steep step up in competition against Thomson. No word has come as to whether or not the fight will headline the card, which comes only four short days after the UFC’s blockbuster UFC 189 PPV from Las Vegas.
Photo Credit: Kyle Terada for USA TODAY Sports
