Thomson was born and raised in San Jose, California, growing up in the east side of the city.[6][7] Being half-European-American and half-Mexican, Thomson faced discrimination and got into fights often. In middle school, he was involved in a brawl in which the principal was punched while trying to break up the incident, resulting in Thomson being placed in a juvenile hall. Afterwards, Thomson went to live with his father in Idaho where he went to high school and competed in wrestling. Thomson continued wrestling at junior college powerhouse, North Idaho Community College, and also trained with the wrestling team at Stanford University[5] before deciding school was not for him. His college wrestling record was 40–3. In 2000, Thomson was involved in an alcohol-fueled brawl while on a lake cruise in Idaho. In the melee Thomson choked one man so badly that he required CPR and as a result, Thomson was charged with felony aggravated assault, serving six months of a three-year sentence before being released for good behavior.[8]
Mixed martial arts career
Thomson started out very strongly in his MMA career winning his first two professional bouts, before going to a no contest with Norifumi Yamamoto. Thomson would then go on to win his next three fights, including a win over former WEC Lightweight ChampionRob McCullough.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Thomson made his debut in the UFC at UFC 44 defeating Gerald Strebendt by knockout in the first round. He would then pick up a decision victory over Hermes Franca in an incredible fight at UFC 46, before falling victim in his next fight to a highlight reel knockout finish at the hands of Yves Edwards.[9]
Strikeforce
Thomson went 2-1 in the UFC before leaving and opting instead to go overseas to Japan and fight for PRIDE FC. He won his sole fight in PRIDE by submission in the first round. Thomson then signed with Strikeforce and made his debut against Clay Guida in a title fight for the vacant Strikeforce Lightweight Championship losing by unanimous decision. Thomson would go on to win his next six fights, including victories over Duane Ludwig and Nam Phan earning him another shot at the Strikeforce Lightweight Championship.
On November 21, 2008, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch against Yves Edwards at Strikeforce: Destruction but had to pull out after tearing ligaments in his toe.[10]Duane Ludwig was selected to take Thomson's place on the card. On April 11, 2009, Thomson was scheduled to make his first title defense in a rematch against Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce's debut on the Showtime Network, but had to pull out after breaking his ankle while training on April 1, 2009. Rodrigo Damm was selected to take Thomson's place on the card.
On December 19, 2009, at Strikeforce: Evolution, Thomson fought Gilbert Melendez for the Lightweight Championship.[13] Thomson would lose the fight by unanimous decision, but the fight would see both fighters put it all on the line in what would prove to be a very fast-paced and exciting fight.
Thomson fought Pat Healy at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum and won by rear naked choke late in the 3rd round. After this win, Dave Camarillo granted him his black belt in Guerrilla jiu-jitsu. Thomson broke two ribs during the fight on Healy's very first takedown and fought the rest of the fight very defensively.
Following the dissolution of Strikeforce in January 2013, Thomson returned to the UFC and faced Nate Diaz on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.[18] He won the fight via TKO (head kick and punches), becoming the first of only three fighters (Hermes Franca & Jorge Masvidal) to finish Diaz. The win also earned him his first Knockout of the Night bonus award.[19]
Thomson was expected to face current UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9, replacing an injured T. J. Grant,[20] However, the bout was cancelled after Pettis pulled out of the bout citing a knee injury.[21]
Thomson faced Benson Henderson on January 25, 2014, in the main event at UFC on Fox 10.[22] Henderson defeated Thomson via split decision.[23] Many media outlets and observers were split on who they thought should have been declared the winner.[24][25][26] Thomson had one more takedown (5 to 4) and was able to secure Henderson's back on multiple occasions, while Henderson was able to significantly outstrike Thomson (114 to 33) over the duration of the bout and was credited with the bout's only submission attempt.[27] During the first round Thomson broke the thumb on his right hand, contributing to his inability to punch with much effectiveness.[28] Disappointed in the result of the Henderson bout, Thomson indicated in the post-fight press conference, that he may be "done" with the UFC or fighting.[29]
Thomson was expected to face Michael Johnson on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12.[30][31] However, on July 11, Johnson pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by Bobby Green.[32] Thomson lost the bout via split decision.
Thomson was expected to face Gilbert Burns on March 21, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 62.[33] However, on February 26, Thomson pulled out of the fight with an undisclosed injury, while Burns remained on the card against a replacement.[34]
Thomson faced Tony Ferguson at UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee on July 15, 2015.[35] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Thomson's contract ended after his bout with Ferguson and he opted not to re-sign with the UFC.[36]
In his second fight for the promotion, Thomson faced Pablo Villaseca on December 4, 2015, at Bellator 147.[38] He won the fight via TKO in the second round.
In his third fight for Bellator MMA Thomson faced Patricky Pitbull in the main event at Bellator 172.[39] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.
On January 28, 2020, Thomson announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.[40]
Personal life
Before becoming a full-time professional fighter, Thomson worked in construction.[41]
Thomson co-hosts the podcast "Weighing In" with former MMA referee "Big" John McCarthy about MMA and combat sports.[42][43]
Thomson made his acting debut in Fist of the Dragon (2014).[44]
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