Bellator MMA sign Josh Thomson (20-8, 1 NC) to multi-fight contract after the UFC reportedly elected not to renew his contract.
36-year-old Thomson, a former Strikeforce Lightweight champion, fell to three straight defeats in the UFC, although against some of the best fighters in the 155lb division.
It continues the trend of fighters moving over to Bellator MMA, with Thomson joining the likes of Josh Koscheck, Phil Davis and more.
Thomson joins a stacked 155lb divison, alongside current Lightweight champ ‘Ill’ Will Brooks, Michael Chandler, Marcin Held, Dave Rickels, Patricky “Pitbull” Freire and Dave Jansen.
With numerous reports that the UFC decided not to renew ‘The Punk’s’ contract, Thomson offered some clarity on his contract: “I’m over here reading this UFC reporter saying that they’ve declined to re-sign me when the truth of the matter is that they’ve been trying to re-sign me for my last two fights. I declined and instead chose to fight out my contract and test the free agency market with Bellator.
“At that point, Bellator made me an offer that the UFC was unable to match given their relationships with FOX and Reebok. It’s a done deal, I’m back working with Coker, and I couldn’t be more excited to get back to an organization that is trending upwards with fighter-friendly contracts.”
He added: “Any intelligent fighter is going to go where the money is, and for me the money was at Bellator.”
Based out of American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif. Thomas has always been a likeable persona that fans have rallied behind. Now amongst the Bellator ranks it will be interesting to see how he progresses, especially seeing as his losses to Benson Henderson and Bobby Green were so closely contested.
Bellator President Scott Coker also showed his excitement for Thomson’s signing with the promotion: “I had the pleasure of working with Josh in Strikeforce and I look forward to continuing this relationship in Bellator MMA.
“Josh is a world-class mixed martial artist and we are very happy to be adding him to our roster of some of the best lightweights in the world.
“Bellator remains fully committed to building its roster by signing top free agents like Thomson, as well as grooming up-and-coming blue-chip stars. We have some amazing matchups in mind for ‘The Punk’ that we hope to be announcing in the weeks to come.”
Josh Thomson’s signature is an intriguing one, although coming to the end of his career and falling short in his last three fights, he hasn’t shown any signs of fading away from the sport. Expect Thomson to be fast tracked to a potential title fight with Brooks, or failing that, a title eliminator with Chandler. Both exciting possibilities.
