Josh Thomson Talks Training For Benson Henderson

No. 4-ranked UFC lightweight contender Josh Thomson was headed for a title shot against Anthony Pettis at UFC on FOX 9, but saw it go up in smoke when “Showtime” unfortunately injured his knee in training. Thomson was quick to sign up for another big fight, instead headlining UFC on FOX 10 against former champ Benson Henderson. And Thomson figured Pettis would back out anyway, so he’s ready to prove himself in Chicago on January 25.

“Punk” appeared on tonight’s edition of “Inside MMA” on AXS TV to discuss the challenges that Henderson presents inside the Octagon:

“I think the way he sets up his kicks, the way he mixes them up, from that to the takedowns. He’s got good transitions from the standup to the takedown. So those are the biggest issues that you’ll have to deal with, you know, you gotta make sure that you’re always ready to stop the takedown as well as check the kicks. We’ve been working on that, but I was already kinda working on that a little bit with Pettis. So this’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out.”

Indeed it will be interesting to see how the UFC lightweight division plays out. With several top contenders and a few legitimate prospects rising up the ranks, everyone will be struggling for position until Pettis returns from his knee surgery, which could be up to six months not including a ttraining camp. Thomson’s bout with Henderson has been rumored to be a title eliminator, but with Henderson already having lost two title fights to “Showtime,” it would be surprising to see Dana White grant him a third without a fight in between.

Gilbert Melendez was rumored to be facing Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 170, but that bout fell apart. The No. 2-ranked “El Nino” should be looking for a big fight sometime soon. We’re also awaiting T.J. Grant’s return after six months off with a concussion.

When the 155-pound roster hopefully heals up later this year, it’s going to be full of blockbuster matchups. For now, however, the division’s future rests on the headliner of UFC on FOX 10.