J. Thomson (photo) suffered his first UFC defeat in January. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The confirmation that Gilbert Melendez, who recently signed a new agreement with Ultimate, will be the next challenger for the lightweight belt, facing Anthony Pettis After sharing the role of coach with the champion in TUF 20, the veteran did not like it Josh thomson. On the website “MMA Junkie”, Thomson regretted the outcome of the fight between Melendez and Pettis, stating that he believes he is aware that the challenger position could be his.
“I felt sick to my stomach (when I heard about the fight between Pettis and Melendez). I know that (a title shot) is within my reach, but guys that I've already beaten and should have beaten are already getting these opportunities. And not just once, but twice”, said the American, referring to the fact that Melendez had already challenged for the title last year and was defeated by the then champion. Ben henderson. The veteran, however, said he was happy that his rival would remain in Ultimate. “I'm happy for Gil, that he got a good contract, I'm happy that he's still in the UFC. This just gives me one more person I have to go through to get the title. I’m just sick because it was supposed to be me there,” he revealed.
According to Thomson, it bothers him that Melendez received two chances for the belt while he had none. “He received two title shots in the amount of time I should have received one. I'm just a little irritated, that's all. It just keeps me motivated and focused on what needs to happen,” he said. Josh thomson would fight for the lightweight belt in December, but the fight ended up being canceled due to a leg injury. Anthony Pettis. The veteran was then selected to face Ben henderson in January of this year and was defeated, in a controversial split decision.
Despite being upset with the current situation involving the lightweight belt, Thomson already has a plan to place himself once again among the main names in the category: being responsible for welcoming the featherweight champion José Aldo in the up to 70 kg category – as with the recovery from knee surgery, the TUF recordings and the fight against Melendez, Anthony Pettis should remain unavailable until the end of this year. “I hope there is a chance to welcome the José Aldo in the lightweight division, and we'll make our case from there. We’ll see what happens,” he concluded.
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