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Tony Ferguson vs. Josh Thomson Set for UFC Fight Night 72 in San Diego

Tony Ferguson vs. Josh Thomson Set for UFC Fight Night 72 in San Diego

The Ultimate Fighter 13 winner Tony Ferguson will put his five-fight winning streak on the line against former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson at UFC Fight Night 72 on July 15 in San Diego. UFC officials announced the bout late Monday.

Ferguson (18-3) stumbled, losing a unanimous decision to Michael Johnson in early 2012, but hasn’t looked back. He has currently won five straight bouts, including wins over Danny Castillo and, most recently, Gleison Tibau, putting him within a stone’s throw of title contention.

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A victory over a veteran the likes of Thomson would easily elevate Ferguson into contender’s status.

For Thomson (20-7, 1 NC), despite all his past success, including the Strikeforce lightweight championship, he is on a rebuilding mission.

Having made the move to the UFC in 2013, Thomson has fought just three times in the past two years. He knocked out Nate Diaz in his Octagon return, but has since lost back-to-back bouts to Benson Henderson and Bobby Green.

His career having been plagued by injuries, Thomson hasn’t fought since the July loss to Green. Having to withdraw from his last scheduled fight due to injury, it will have been nearly a year since he last fought when Thomson steps in the Octagon opposite Ferguson.

In addition to Ferguson vs. Thomson, UFC officials on Tuesday also revealed that welterweights Sean Strickland and Igor Araujo would square off at the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego.

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