UFC on FOX 7 Main Card Results - Nate Diaz vs Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson defeats Nate Diaz by TKO Round 2, 3:44

by John Haigh @JohnBjayHaigh

Josh Thomson makes his return to the octagon after a nine year absence, while Nate Diaz comes in to the fight off a defeat to UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson. Both men would be desperate for the win both for different reasons, Diaz to avoid back to back defeats and Thomson to get his second stint in the UFC underway with a victory.

In round one Diaz used his usual tactic of trying to goad Thomson in to a brawl. Thomson was having none of it and stuck to his game plan staying on the outside attacking Diaz’s legs with low leg kicks frequently changing stances to keep Diaz guessing. While Diaz continued trying to goad his opponent throughout the remainder of the round, Thomson rushed in and out landing combinations.

In round two Thomson’s game plan came together teeing off on Diaz every time he tried to clinch landing short elbows bloodying Diaz’s face, causing him problems seeing with the blood going into his eyes.

Thomson landed a head kick sending Diaz staggering back across the cage, sensing the end he took Diaz to the mat and attacked with a ground and pound until the referee was forced to stop the fight. A second before the referee stopped the fight the Diaz corner actually threw in the towel to the cage.

Thomson made the perfect return to the UFC and not only got the victory but became the first fighter to stop Nate Diaz by TKO in his career.