UFC on FOX 7 Results: What We Learned from Nate Diaz vs. Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson became the first man to ever finish Nate Diaz by strikes in the third fight of the main card on UFC on FOX 7.  Thomson landed a high kick right on the button, before swarming in for the kill and finishing the fight with strikes, causing referee Mike Beltran to halt the action at the 3:44 mark of the second round. 

What we’ll remember about this fight:

In his first fight in the UFC since 2004, Thomson made this fight his coming-out party.  He came in poised and ready to make a statement.  The shark tank of talent in the lightweight division just got put on notice after his performance.  Diaz landed a few punches and of course did some taunting, but Thomson capitalized when it mattered and got the finish. 

What we learned about Nate Diaz:

In his first fight back since losing to Benson Henderson for the lightweight title, he seemed unable to match the intensity of Josh Thomson.  Thomson landed a similar kick in the first round, and Diaz was not able to defend it again in the second.

This is the first TKO loss of his career, which speaks volumes of how tough he has been throughout his career.  Thomson was just too much for him, Nate's brother Nick would agree as he threw in the towel as the fight was stopped.

What we learned about Josh Thomson:

Many people were claiming Gilbert Melendez was overrated after defeating Thomson by split decision last summer.  It is now apparent that they were underrating Thomson.

Thomson is a legit top 10 contender after this performance.  Being the first fighter to finish Nate Diaz is a nice feather in his cap as well.

What’s next for Nate Diaz:

Nate will no doubt need to regroup.  He has spoken recently about moving back up to welterweight.  His time for being a contender at lightweight may have now passed.  If he stays at lightweight, perhaps his next fight will be the loser of Jim Miller vs. Pat Healy.

What’s next for Josh Thomson:

After his impressive victory, another top 10 contender should be next.  I’d say the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Abel Trujillo sounds about right.