This weekend’s UFC on FOX 12 event features a Lightweight fight between stand outs Josh Thomson and Bobby Green. Right now, the books have Thompson favored at (-245), with the comeback on Green at (+190). Both men are knocking on the door of the top spots in the lightweight rankings, and a win here would put the winner in serious title contention.
For Thomson, he has already been there. He had a title shot signed, but the match came apart due to the injury of Anthony Pettis, and he faced then Number one contender Benson Henderson in a match he lost. Bye bye title shot. But the loss to Henderson was respectable, and with his charisma and resume, a win over Green would immediately start the title fight talk again around Thomson.
Green has been flying under the radar to a certain extent, racking up an impressive winning streak. He really separated himself from the lightweight pack in his last outing, as he defeated respected veteran Pat Healy to notch his 7th win. Regardless, Thomson represents a huge step up in competition level for Green. A win would announce his arrival to the upper echelon of the division.
Green has not fought since December of last year, and he accepted this fight on what can be termed short notice as a replacement for the injured Michael Johnson. Now Green steps into the biggest fight of his life with those two factors working against him.
For Thomson, he is no stranger to big fights, as he has competed in Strikeforce and throughout his pre-UFC career, and he is in need of a win to stay relevant in the Lightweight division. At this point in his career, Thomson should be motivated by preserving his chance at a title, so this is not just another match for Thomson.
Look for Thomson to dhow the full depth of his game in this fight. Green will try to fight his usual aggressive style, but Johnson has seen it all and he has the tools to make Green pay. If Green can control Thomson’s movement and keep the fight in close, he would be working his game, but for Thomson a three round fight is basically an abbreviated session for Thomson, who should be able to put his petal to the metal and finish this one.
