Josh Thomson vs. Michael Johnson set for UFC on FOX in San Jose

After losing a controversial split decision to former lightweight champion Benson Henderson in a UFC on FOX main event in January, Josh Thomson openly talked about retirement.

But a chance to fight in his backyard was apparently too much to pass up.

The American Kickboxing Academy standout will meet Michael Johnson at UFC on FOX 12 in San Jose, Calif., on July 26. FOXSports.com initially reported the bout on Friday.

The 35-year old Thomson (20-6, 1 NC), a former Strikeforce champion, is 3-3 in his past six. His past two losses were debatable split decisions to championship-level fighters, Henderson and Gilbert Melendez. Thomson was slated to receive a shot at Anthony Pettis‘ UFC lightweight title in December, but Pettis had to withdraw from the bout with a knee injury.

Johnson (15-8), meanwhile, has blossomed under the tutelage of the Blackzilians. He’s won three straight fights, earning victories over veterans Joe Lauzon, Gleison Tibau and  Melvin Guillard.

After losing a controversial split decision to former lightweight champion Benson Henderson in a UFC on FOX main event in January, Josh Thomson openly talked about retirement.

But a chance to fight in his backyard was apparently too much to pass up.

The American Kickboxing Academy standout will meet Michael Johnson at UFC on FOX 12 in San Jose, Calif., on July 26. FOXSports.com initially reported the bout on Friday.

The 35-year old Thomson (20-6, 1 NC), a former Strikeforce champion, is 3-3 in his past six. His past two losses were debatable split decisions to championship-level fighters, Henderson and Gilbert Melendez. Thomson was slated to receive a shot at Anthony Pettis‘ UFC lightweight title in December, but Pettis had to withdraw from the bout with a knee injury.

Johnson (15-8), meanwhile, has blossomed under the tutelage of the Blackzilians. He’s won three straight fights, earning victories over veterans Joe Lauzon, Gleison Tibau and  Melvin Guillard.