Nate Diaz vs Josh Thomson: Round by Round Recap and Analysis

Nate Diaz and Josh Thomson may have different fighting styles, but they do have one thing in common: both recently lost to one of the main event fighters at UFC on Fox 7.

Diaz lost for the first time in four fights when he faced UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in December. Thomson fell to former Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez, who is challenging Henderson on Saturday night.

Keep it here for real-time recaps and analysis as the action unspools from San Jose.

Round 1

During introductions, Nate Diaz looking ornery as usual, with big brother Nick and Cesar Gracie holding down his corner. Thomson looks calm in his UFC debut.

Diaz begins taunting immediately as Thomson whiffs on a leg kick. Diaz stalking him down and throws his first punch combo. Thomson scooting away and switching stances. 

At 3:18 Thomson lands a huge high kick, but Diaz just absorbs it. Man—you could really hear that thing. Thomson tries another one but Diaz catches it.

I'm not sure Thomson has thrown a punch yet. It's all leg kicks and head kicks. Diaz comes forward and lands another combo. They clinch up and are now against the fence. Nate lands a few knees to the legs and then they break up. Thomson lands a right hook but Diaz eats it and keeps coming.

Diaz loading up and dropping his hands. A big standing exchange near the fence with Thomson getting the better of it. Now a big takedown from Thomson and that looked easy. Thomson landing bricks from the top. They pop up and round ends.

My score: 10-9 Thomson

Round 2

Nate comes out aggressive and lands a big knee to the groin. Time out called by referee Mike Beltran.

Back to action and the first round is continuing. Thomson is circling and throwing leg kicks. They clinch along the fence. Thomson's going for a throw but can't get it. They break up and exchange punches.

Nate lands a takedown now and goes for a guillotine as Thomson stands but it slips off. Nate keeps trying to walk him down but it isn't working, though Thomson may be slowing a bit. Diaz is bleeding from his right eye.

They clinch up and Thomson grinds elbows into Nate's face. An effective little tool. 

Big head kick from Thomson! Diaz is down and Thomson is swarming! Punches and hammerfists and this one's over! This is the first stoppage loss in Nate Diaz's career.