Two top lightweights will square off in San Diego when Josh Thomson and Tony Ferguson meet at UFC Fight Night 72 in July.
The news first broke Monday night on Fox Sports 1 and was subsequently confirmed by MMAjunkie and others.
Just announced on @FOXSports1 @AmericasPregame #UFCFightNight July 15 San Diego, CA Lightweight Bout Tony Ferguson VS Josh Thomson
— John Stouffer (@johnstouffer) March 30, 2015
Ferguson (18-3) is one of the hottest 155-pounders on the UFC roster. The well-rounded 31-year-old is on a five-fight win streak, most recently knocking off grinder Gleison Tibau in February with a first-round rear-naked choke that earned Ferguson a Performance of the Night nod.
Thomson (20-7-1) is moving in the opposite direction. Though he is still talented and formidable, the 36-year-old Thomson has dropped his last two and three of his last four. He last competed in July, dropping a split decision to Bobby Green.
Thomson also continues to be plagued by injuries. Originally scheduled to face jiu-jitsu standout Gilbert Burns in February, Thomson pulled out after sustaining an undisclosed injury.
Though both men are capable strikers, this bout has the potential to shape up as a grappling battle. Both men have collegiate wrestling experience. Thomson holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu while Ferguson holds a brown belt. They also have 15 professional submission wins between them.
This is the first official bout announced for UFC Fight Night 72 in San Diego. The fight makes sense from a geographical standpoint, as both men are California natives.
It also makes sense from a competition perspective, as the winner would likely be thrust into the inner circle of title contenders in the lightweight division. Ferguson is currently ranked No. 13 in the UFC’s official lightweight rankings, while Thomson is unranked, most likely as a result of his extended injury layoff.
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