Josh Thomson’s latest UFC run has come to end.
According to sources with knowledge of the situation, the UFC declined to offer Thomson a new contract once his most recent one expired following his loss to Tony Ferguson last month. As a result, Thomson is close to finalizing a new deal with Bellator MMA, which would reunite him with his long-time promoter Scott Coker. That new contract is expected to be announced in the coming days.
The 36-year-old Thomson (20-8, 1 NC) is currently on a three-fight losing streak following his unanimous decision loss to Ferguson on July 15. Prior to that defeat, he dropped two split decisions to Benson Henderson and Bobby Green. Thomson returned to the UFC in April 2013 after a nine-year hiatus with an impressive TKO win over Nate Diaz, which earned him a title shot, however, he missed out on that opportunity after then-champion Anthony Pettis pulled out of their title fight due to an injury.
The former Strikeforce lightweight champion, who fought for Coker under the Strikeforce banner for six years, is considered a pioneer in the lightweight division. He went 2-1 in the UFC between 2003 and 2004 prior to the organization originally dissolving the 155-pound division.
No word just yet on when “The Punk” will debut with Bellator, however, it is worth noting that the promotion is holding an event in San Jose, which is where he currently lives, on Sept. 19.