Josh Thomson
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Early Days and the UFC
Josh "The Punk" Thomson (born September 21, 1978), an NCAA Division I standout while attending Stanford University, made his professional Mixed Martial Arts debut on January 18, 2001, beating Jason Abajian by KO in the very first round. Less than two months later, Thomson's successes continued with a Gladiator's Vale Tudo win over Victor Estrada, submitting him with a Triangle Choke.
Following an unfortunate No Contest, Thomson went on to post two more submission victories before taking a significant step up in competition. That step's name was "Razor" Rob McCullough. At the end of a three round brawl, Thomson won the first decision of his career, and a ticket to the big time.
In the UFC
UFC 44 - Undisputed saw the first Octagon appearance for "The Punk". In a match with Gerald Strebendt, Thomson needed only 2:45 to score a knockout. Next came a contest which represented the second significant step up in the kinds of fighters that Josh was facing, his foe was contender-to-be Hermes Franca.
Another step up, another unanimous decision win. Thomson's next test would be the then-king of the 155lb division, Yves Edwards. "The Punk" allowed Edwards to get behind him and then absorbed one of the most brutal head kicks in the history of the sport, resulting in Josh's first loss as a pro.
Strikeforce
After a lone PRIDE Fighting Championships bout with Daisuke Sugie, resulting in a Kneebar win for "The Punk", Josh Thomson began working for the Strikeforce promotion. Since then Josh has only fought once outside of that organization's banner.
Thomson's 2006 debut with Strikeforce was not the success he had hoped for, but rather a decision loss to Clay Guida. Subsequently Josh was pit against Harris Sarmiento, winning with a combination Triangle Choke and Armbar. Over the course of the next year Thomson won five straight, including an impressive Guillotine Choke against Duane Ludwig.
After knocking out Adam Lynn at Strikeforce's premier Playboy Mansion event, "The Punk" was given a chance at the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship. At the conclusion of a five round battle, which most feel he won decisively, Josh Thomson was awarded a unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Melendez, and the 155lb. title.
Since winning the belt Thomson has had only one defense, a lopsided KO of Ashe Bowman.
Mixed martial arts record
16-2-0-1 (NC)
| 18 matches | 16 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 4 | 1 |
| By submission | 8 | 0 |
| By decision | 4 | 1 |
| Draws | 0 | |
Gallery
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