Josh Thomson

Thomson was born and raised in San Jose, California, growing up in the east side of the city.{{Cite web |last=Gallegos |first=Martin |date=December 4, 2015 |orig-date=December 4, 2015 |title=MMA: San Jose's Josh Thomson wins Bellator main event |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/12/04/mma-san-joses-josh-thomson-wins-bellator-main-event/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504094205/https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/12/04/mma-san-joses-josh-thomson-wins-bellator-main-event/ |archive-date=May 4, 2017 |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=News Group |first=Bay Area |date=2013-04-19 |title=UFC: San Jose native Josh Thomson makes his return to Octagon |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2013/04/19/ufc-san-jose-native-josh-thomson-makes-his-return-to-octagon/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=East Bay Times |language=en-US}} Being half-European-American and half-Mexican, Thomson faced discrimination and got into fights often. In middle school, he was involved in a brawl in which the principal was punched while trying to break up the incident, resulting in Thomson being placed in a juvenile hall. Afterwards, Thomson went to live with his father in Idaho where he went to high school and competed in wrestling. Thomson continued wrestling at junior college powerhouse, North Idaho Community College, and also trained with the wrestling team at Stanford University before deciding school was not for him. His college wrestling record was 40–3. In 2000, Thomson was involved in an alcohol-fueled brawl while on a lake cruise in Idaho. In the melee Thomson choked one man so badly that he required CPR and as a result, Thomson was charged with felony aggravated assault, serving six months of a three-year sentence before being released for good behavior.{{cite web|url=http://www.knoxxgear.com/home/officialknoxxblog/2009/12/mma-fighter-josh-thomson-found-purpose-on-way-to-the-cage/ |title=MMA fighter Josh Thomson found purpose on way to the cage » the Official KNOXX Blog |access-date=2013-07-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103120332/http://www.knoxxgear.com/home/officialknoxxblog/2009/12/mma-fighter-josh-thomson-found-purpose-on-way-to-the-cage/ |archive-date=2013-11-03 }}

Thomson started out very strongly in his MMA career winning his first two professional bouts, before going to a no contest with Norifumi Yamamoto. Thomson would then go on to win his next three fights, including a win over former WEC Lightweight Champion Rob McCullough.

Thomson made his debut in the UFC at UFC 44 defeating Gerald Strebendt by knockout in the first round. He would then pick up a decision victory over Hermes Franca in an incredible fight at UFC 46, before falling victim in his next fight to a highlight reel knockout finish at the hands of Yves Edwards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2013/4/16/4230608/my-first-defeat-josh-thomson-knockout-loss-yves-edwards-ufc-49-mma|title=My First Defeat: UFC on FOX 7's Josh Thomson|first=Mike|last=Bohn|date=April 16, 2013|website=MMAmania.com}}

Thomson went 2-1 in the UFC before leaving and opting instead to go overseas to Japan and fight for PRIDE FC. He won his sole fight in PRIDE by submission in the first round. Thomson then signed with Strikeforce and made his debut against Clay Guida in a title fight for the vacant Strikeforce Lightweight Championship losing by unanimous decision. Thomson would go on to win his next six fights, including victories over Duane Ludwig and Nam Phan earning him another shot at the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.

On June 27, 2008, he defeated Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson to become the new Strikeforce Lightweight Champion.

On November 21, 2008, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch against Yves Edwards at Strikeforce: Destruction but had to pull out after tearing ligaments in his toe.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Strikeforce-Sets-Martin-Smith-on-Collision-Course-15192|title=Strikeforce Sets Martin, Smith on Collision Course|website=Sherdog}} Duane Ludwig was selected to take Thomson's place on the card. On April 11, 2009, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch against Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce's debut on the Showtime Network, but had to pull out after breaking his ankle while training on April 1, 2009. Rodrigo Damm was selected to take Thomson's place on the card.

On August 15, 2009, Thomson was scheduled to unify his title with the newly crowned Strikeforce Interim Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg, but suffered a broken leg in training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagepotato.com/ufc-news/|title=UFC News Archives}} Mitsuhiro Ishida was selected to take Thomson's place against Melendez.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/blog/Thomson-Out-Ishida-in-Against-Melendez-18822|title=Thomson Out, Ishida in Against Melendez|website=Sherdog}}

On December 19, 2009, at Strikeforce: Evolution, Thomson fought Gilbert Melendez for the Lightweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Gilbert-Melendez-vs-Josh-Thomson-confirmed-for-Strikeforce-Evolution-on-Dec-19.html |publisher=FiveKnuckles.com |access-date=December 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125144505/http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Gilbert-Melendez-vs-Josh-Thomson-confirmed-for-Strikeforce-Evolution-on-Dec-19.html |archive-date=November 25, 2009 |title=Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thomson confirmed for Strikeforce: Evolution on Dec. 19 }} Thomson would lose the fight by unanimous decision, but the fight would see both fighters put it all on the line in what would prove to be a very fast-paced and exciting fight.

Thomson fought Pat Healy at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum and won by rear naked choke late in the 3rd round. After this win, Dave Camarillo granted him his black belt in Guerrilla jiu-jitsu. Thomson broke two ribs during the fight on Healy's very first takedown and fought the rest of the fight very defensively.

Thomson fought Gesias Cavalcante on October 9, 2010, at Strikeforce: San Jose where he won a controversial unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27).{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/10/09/strikeforce-live-blog-josh-thomson-vs-jz-cavalcante-updates|title=Strikeforce Live Blog: Josh Thomson vs. JZ Cavalcante Updates|author=Mike Chiappetta|date=9 October 2010 }}

Thomson's next fight was against Tatsuya Kawajiri under the co-promoted DREAM, K-1 end of year event Dynamite!! 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ThomsonKawajiri-Greenlit-for-New-Years-Eve-Dynamite-28664|title=Thomson-Kawajiri Greenlit for New Year's Eve 'Dynamite'|website=Sherdog}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Thomson was expected to face promotional newcomer Maximo Blanco at Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov but yet another foot injury forced him out of the bout.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/josh-thomson-injured-and-out-of-strikeforce-bout-against-maximo-blanco|title=Josh Thomson Injured and Out of Strikeforce Bout Against Maximo Blanco | MMAWeekly.com|date=August 23, 2011}}

Thomson returned in March 2012 to face K. J. Noons at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26855/k-j-noons-vs-josh-thomson-targeted-for-strikeforce-barnett-vs-cormier-in-march.mma|title=K. J. Noons vs. Josh Thomson targeted for 'Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier' in March|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 6, 2012|access-date=January 7, 2012|archive-date=January 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109010105/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26855/k-j-noons-vs-josh-thomson-targeted-for-strikeforce-barnett-vs-cormier-in-march.mma|url-status=dead}} He won the fight via unanimous decision.

The trilogy rematch between Thomson and Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship took place at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier on May 19, 2012, with Thomson losing the fight via split decision.

Following the dissolution of Strikeforce in January 2013, Thomson returned to the UFC and faced Nate Diaz on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/01/nate-diaz-vs-josh-thomson-added-to-aprils-ufc-on-fox-7-event|title=Nate Diaz vs. Josh Thomson added to April's UFC on FOX 7 event|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 29, 2013}} He won the fight via TKO (head kick and punches), becoming the first of only three fighters (Hermes Franca & Jorge Masvidal) to finish Diaz. The win also earned him his first Knockout of the Night bonus award.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/ufc-on-fox-7-bonuses-brown-mein-romero-thomson-earn-50000 |title=UFC on FOX 7 bonuses: Brown, Mein, Romero, Thomson earn $50,000|author=Staff |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2013-04-20 |access-date=2013-04-20}}

Thomson was expected to face current UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9, replacing an injured T. J. Grant,{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/anthony-pettis-vs-josh-thomson-booked-for-ufc-on-fox-9-headliner|title=Anthony Pettis vs. Josh Thomson booked for UFC on FOX 9 headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2013-09-16|access-date=2013-09-16}} However, the bout was cancelled after Pettis pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ufc-fox-9-anthony-pettis-052909164--mma.html|title=UFC on Fox 9: Anthony Pettis Injury Forces Title Fight Postponement|publisher=sports.yahoo.com|author=Staff|date=2013-11-11|access-date=2013-11-11}}

Thomson faced Benson Henderson on January 25, 2014, in the main event at UFC on Fox 10.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/11/17/benson-henderson-vs-josh-thomson-headlines-ufc-on-fox-10-in-chicago/|title=Benson Henderson vs. Josh Thomson headlines UFC on FOX 10 in Chicago|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2013-11-17|access-date=2013-11-17}} Henderson defeated Thomson via split decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/10327244/ufc-fox-10-roundup-benson-henderson-edges-josh-thomson-thriller|title=Henderson edges Thomson in thriller|publisher=ESPN|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2014-01-25|access-date=2014-01-25}} Many media outlets and observers were split on who they thought should have been declared the winner.{{cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/4844/Benson-Henderson-vs-Josh-Thomson|title=Benson Henderson defeats Josh Thomson|publisher=mmadecisions.com|author=Staff|date=2014-01-25|access-date=2014-01-25}}{{Cite web|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/benson-henderson-gets-controversial-nod-over-josh-thomson-034606517--mma.html|title=Benson Henderson gets controversial nod over Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 10|website=sports.yahoo.com|date=26 January 2014 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/1/25/5346338/ufc-on-fox-10-results-ben-henderson-wins-controversial-call-over-josh|title=Henderson gets another controversial call|first=Dave|last=Doyle|date=January 25, 2014|website=MMA Fighting}} Thomson had one more takedown (5 to 4) and was able to secure Henderson's back on multiple occasions, while Henderson was able to significantly outstrike Thomson (114 to 33) over the duration of the bout and was credited with the bout's only submission attempt.{{cite web|url=http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/4602|title=UFC on Fox 10|publisher=hosteddb.fightmetric.com|date=2014-01-25|access-date=2014-01-25|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140127164109/http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/4602|archive-date=2014-01-27|url-status=dead}} During the first round Thomson broke the thumb on his right hand, contributing to his inability to punch with much effectiveness.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2014/1/26/5346514/ufc-fox-10-results-emotional-josh-thomson-breaks-thumb-mma-retirement-ben-henderson-loss-chicago|title=Thomson Contemplates Retirement After FOX 10 loss|first=Geno|last=Mrosko|date=January 26, 2014|website=MMAmania.com}} Disappointed in the result of the Henderson bout, Thomson indicated in the post-fight press conference, that he may be "done" with the UFC or fighting.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/01/josh-thomson-considering-retirement-after-ufc-on-fox-10-loss/|title=Josh Thomson considering retirement after UFC on FOX 10 loss|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2014-01-26|access-date=2014-01-26}}

Thomson was expected to face Michael Johnson on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12.{{cite news|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/josh-thomson-vs-michael-johnson-set-for-fox-ufc-saturday-on-july-26-050914|title=Josh Thomson vs. Michael Johnson set for FOX UFC Saturday on July 26|publisher=msn.foxsports.com|author=Mike Chiapetta|access-date=2014-05-09|date=2014-05-09}}{{cite web | url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/josh-thomson-vs-michael-johnson-goes-down-at-ufc-on-fox-12 | title=Josh Thomson Vs Michael Johnson Goes Down at UFC On FOX 12 | publisher=Fight of the Night | date=10 May 2014 | access-date=13 May 2014 | author=Henderson, Jason}} However, on July 11, Johnson pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by Bobby Green.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Green-in-for-The-Menace-against-Thomson|title=Green in for the Menace against Thomson|author=Thomas Gerbasi|publisher=UFC|access-date=2014-07-11|date=2014-07-11}} Thomson lost the bout via split decision.

Thomson was expected to face Gilbert Burns on March 21, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 62.{{cite news|url=http://cagepages.com/2015/01/21/josh-thomson-vs-gilbert-burns-slated-ufc-fight-night-62/|title=Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Burns slated for UFC Fight Night 62|publisher=cagepages.com|author=Sean Bio|access-date=2014-05-09|date=2014-05-09}} However, on February 26, Thomson pulled out of the fight with an undisclosed injury, while Burns remained on the card against a replacement.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/2/26/8116635/josh-thomson-injured-out-of-ufc-fight-night-62-co-main-event-bout|title=Josh Thomson injured, out of UFC Fight Night 62 co-main event bout against Gilbert Burns|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2015-02-26|access-date=2015-02-26}}

Thomson faced Tony Ferguson at UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee on July 15, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Tony-FergusonJosh-Thomson-Lightweight-Bout-Added-to-UFC-Fight-Night-in-San-Diego-84089|title=Tony Ferguson-Josh Thomson Lightweight Bout Added to UFC Fight Night in San Diego|publisher=sherdog.com |author=Staff |date=2015-03-30|access-date=2015-05-05}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Thomson's contract ended after his bout with Ferguson and he opted not to re-sign with the UFC.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-71-results-tony-ferguson-dominates-durable-but-bloodied-josh-thomson|title=UFC Fight Night 71 results: Tony Ferguson dominates durable, bloodied Josh Thomson|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2015-07-15|access-date=2015-07-15}}

On August 11, 2015, Thomson signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/11/9135047/dana-white-ufc-released-josh-thomson|title=Dana White: UFC released Josh Thomson|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2015-08-12|access-date=2015-08-12}} He made his debut on September 19, 2015, at Bellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1 against Mike Bronzoulis, winning via submission in the third round.

In his second fight for the promotion, Thomson faced Pablo Villaseca on December 4, 2015, at Bellator 147.{{cite web|url=http://www.bellator.com/fight-card/bellator-147|title=Bellator 147 Fight Card|date=2015-12-11|website=bellator.com|access-date=2015-12-06|archive-date=2020-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313140906/http://www.bellator.com/events|url-status=dead}} He won the fight via TKO in the second round.

In his third fight for Bellator MMA Thomson faced Patricky Pitbull in the main event at Bellator 172.{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/01/josh-thomson-vs-patricky-pitbull-freire-set-as-bellator-172-co-main-event|title=Josh Thomson vs. Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire set as Bellator 172 co-main event|date=2017-01-28|newspaper=MMAjunkie|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-30}} He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.

On January 28, 2020, Thomson announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/1/28/21112414/ex-strikeforce-champ-bellator-commentator-josh-thomson-announces-retirement|title=Ex-Strikeforce champ, Bellator commentator Josh Thomson announces retirement|date=January 28, 2020|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee}}

Before becoming a full-time professional fighter, Thomson worked in construction.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2008/06/27/ready-or-not-mmamaniacom-exclusive-interview-with-josh-thomson/|title=Ready or not: MMAmania.com exclusive interview with Josh Thomson|author=James Iannotti}}

Thomson co-hosts the podcast "Weighing In" with former MMA referee "Big" John McCarthy about MMA and combat sports.{{cite web |title=WEIGHING IN |url=https://www.youtube.com/c/WeighingIn/about |website=YouTube |access-date=October 15, 2021}}{{cite web |title=WEIGHING IN |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weighing-in/id1224455634 |website=Apple Podcasts |access-date=October 15, 2021}}

Thomson made his acting debut in Fist of the Dragon (2014).{{Citation |last=Szeto |first=Antony |title=Fist of the Dragon |date=2015-05-27 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2646956/ |type=Action |publisher=New Horizons Picture, ACE Studios, Hippopotamus Films |access-date=2022-10-17}}

• Strikeforce
• Strikeforce Lightweight Championship (One time)
• Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship (One time)
• One successful title defense
• Most bouts in Strikeforce history (13)
• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• Knockout of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Nate Diaz}}
• Sports Illustrated
• 2009 Round of the Year vs. Gilbert Melendez on December 19; round 5

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc= 1

| ko-wins= 7

| ko-losses= 2

| sub-wins= 9

| sub-losses=

| dec-wins= 6

| dec-losses= 7

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| {{nowrap|22–9 (1)}}

| Patricky Pitbull

| KO (punch)

| Bellator 172

| {{dts|2017|February|18}}

| align=center|2

| align=center|0:40

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 22–8 (1)

| Pablo Villaseca

| TKO (punches)

| Bellator 147

| {{dts|2015|December|4}}

| align=center|2

| align=center|3:59

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 21–8 (1)

| Mike Bronzoulis

| Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| Bellator 142: Dynamite 1

| {{dts|2015|September|19}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 0:39

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 20–8 (1)

| Tony Ferguson

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee

| {{dts|2015|July|15}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| San Diego, California, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 20–7 (1)

| Bobby Green

| Decision (split)

| UFC on Fox: Lawler vs. Brown

| {{dts|2014|July|26}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 20–6 (1)

| Benson Henderson

| Decision (split)

| UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson

| {{dts|2014|January|25}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Chicago, Illinois, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 20–5 (1)

| Nate Diaz

| TKO (head kick and punches)

| UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez

| {{dts|2013|April|20}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:44

| San Jose, California, United States

| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 19–5 (1)

| Gilbert Melendez

| Decision (split)

| Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier

| {{dts|2012|May|19}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| San Jose, California, United States

| {{small|For the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 19–4 (1)

| K. J. Noons

| Decision (unanimous)

| Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

| {{dts|2012|March|03}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Columbus, Ohio, United States

| {{small|Strikeforce Lightweight title eliminator.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 18–4 (1)

| Tatsuya Kawajiri

| Decision (unanimous)

| Dynamite!! 2010

| {{dts|2010|December|31}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Saitama, Japan

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 18–3 (1)

| Gesias Cavalcante

| Decision (unanimous)

| Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II

| {{dts|2010|October|09}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 17–3 (1)

| Pat Healy

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum

| {{dts|2010|June|26}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 4:27

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 16–3 (1)

| Gilbert Melendez

| Decision (unanimous)

| Strikeforce: Evolution

| {{dts|2009|December|19}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| San Jose, California, United States

| {{Small|Lost the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 16–2 (1)

| Ashe Bowman

| TKO (punches)

| Strikeforce: At The Mansion II

| {{dts|2008|September|20}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:14

| Beverly Hills, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 15–2 (1)

| Gilbert Melendez

| Decision (unanimous)

| Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson

| {{dts|2008|June|27}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| San Jose, California, United States

| {{small|Won the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–2 (1)

| Adam Lynn

| KO (punches)

| Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion

| {{dts|2007|September|29}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:45

| Beverly Hills, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–2 (1)

| Nick Gonzalez

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Baroni

| {{dts|2007|June|22}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:42

| San Jose, California, United States

| {{Small|Defended the Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–2 (1)

| Nam Phan

| Decision (unanimous)

| Strikeforce: Triple Threat

| {{dts|2006|December|08}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| San Jose, California, United States

| {{Small|Won the Strikeforce U.S. Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–2 (1)

| Duane Ludwig

| Submission (guillotine choke)

| Strikeforce: Tank vs. Buentello

| {{dts|2006|October|07}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:36

| Fresno, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–2 (1)

| Rocky Johnson

| Submission (armbar)

| Pride and Fury 5

| {{dts|2006|July|06}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:55

| Worley, Idaho, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–2 (1)

| Harris Sarmiento

| Submission (arm-triangle choke)

| Strikeforce: Revenge

| {{dts|2006|June|09}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 3:19

| San Jose, California, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 8–2 (1)

| Clay Guida

| Decision (unanimous)

| Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie

| {{dts|2006|March|10}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| San Jose, California, United States

| {{small|For the inaugural Strikeforce Lightweight Championship. Guida was deducted one point for eye gouging.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–1 (1)

| Daisuke Sugie

| Submission (kneebar)

| PRIDE Bushido 8

| {{dts|2005|July|17}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:35

| Nagoya, Japan

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 7–1 (1)

| Yves Edwards

| KO (flying head kick and punches)

| UFC 49

| {{dts|2004|August|21}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:32

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–0 (1)

| Hermes França

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 46

| {{dts|2004|January|31}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–0 (1)

| Gerald Strebendt

| KO (punches)

| UFC 44

| {{dts|2003|September|26}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:45

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–0 (1)

| Rob McCullough

| Decision (unanimous)

| WFA 3: Level 3

| {{dts|2002|November|23}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–0 (1)

| Kajan Johnson

| TKO (submission to elbows)

| SE: North American Sport Fighting Invitational

| {{dts|2002|September|07}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 4:56

| Boise, Idaho, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0 (1)

| Doug Evans

| Submission (triangle choke)

| NW Submission Fighting 1

| {{dts|2002|May|04}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:29

| Boise, Idaho, United States

|

|-

| {{nocontest}}NC

| align=center| 2–0 (1)

| Norifumi Yamamoto

| NC (groin kick)

| Shogun 1

| {{dts|2001|December|15}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:00

| Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

| {{small|Accidental groin kick rendered Yamamoto unable to continue.}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/10/7/1736199/exclusive-josh-thomson-on-the-competing-with-the-ufc-and-why-fighters|title=Exclusive: Josh Thomson on Competing With the UFC and Why Fighters Need to Man Up and Fight|first=Jonathan|last=Snowden|date=October 7, 2010|website=Bloody Elbow}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Víctor Estrada

| Submission (triangle choke)

| Gladiators Vale Tudo

| {{dts|2001|March|10}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| N/A

| Worley, Idaho, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Jason Abajian

| KO (punches)

| Bushido 1

| {{dts|2001|January|18}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| N/A

| Tempe, Arizona, United States

|

{{end}}

• List of current UFC fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website|http://www.joshthomson.com}}
• {{Sherdog}}
• {{UFC|josh-thomson}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-bef|before=Gilbert Melendez}}

{{s-ttl|title=3rd Strikeforce Lightweight Champion |years=June 27, 2008 - December 19, 2009}}

{{s-aft|after=Gilbert Melendez}}

{{end}}

{{Strikeforce Lightweight Championship}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomson, Josh}}

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:American mixed martial artists of Mexican descent

Category:Mixed martial artists from California

Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Strikeforce (mixed martial arts) champions

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:American male sport wrestlers

Category:Amateur wrestlers

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Living people

Category:1978 births