Lightweight Nate Diaz returned to the Octagon tonight for his first fight since giving up his chance at the title in December. He welcomed Josh Thomson back to the Octagon, who hadn’t fought in the UFC since UFC 49.
Diaz came out taunting in his typical Stockton style, while Thomson went heavy on the low kicks in an effort to mirror Ben Henderson’s performance against Nate. He did his best to stay mobile and not engage in the inside brawl that Nate wanted. Big headkick from Josh, but Nate ate it. Josh landed a well-timed leg kick that caught Diaz with all his weight on his front foot and may have hurt his knee. Late takedown from Thomson.
A low blow from Diaz opened the second round. After a quick break they returned to action and Diaz got the brawl he was looking for. He scored a takedown and landed some quick shots, but Thomson got up and got out of range. Thomson landed another huge head kick and Diaz was rocked! Josh followed up as Diaz went to the mat, a bit of ground and pound and the ref stopped the fight just as Diaz’s camp threw in the towel.
Josh Thomson wins by TKO at 3:44 of round 2.