Passed Up For Cowboy, Thomson Ready To Fill In For Marquee Lightweight Matchup

Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez are expected to meet at UFC 188 on June 13, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico. However, in the ever-changing sport of mixed martial arts this bout could need a fighter at the drop of a dime.

Enter: Josh “The Punk” Thomson.

Josh Thomson made a quick recovery after being pulled from UFC Fight Night 62 due to an injury and he is looking to make a big impact in his octagon return.

Currently scheduled to fight at UFC Fight Night 72, Thomson was looking to help save UFC 187 after his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov was forced off the card. Thomson confirmed to BJPENN.COM he spoke with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva on Wednesday regarding the fill-in slot left by Nurmagomedov, but ultimately learned through reports that the UFC had gone a different direction.

Thomson, still eyeing a marquee matchup, informed us that he let the UFC offices know that he’s  ready, willing and able to step in and save UFC 188 if either Melendez or Alvarez get injured.

Thomson’s history with Gilbert Melendez is well documented and in need of a serious conclusion. While there is no wish of an injury occurring, it is worthy to mention that Eddie Alvarez’s resume is riddled with injury withdrawals.

Though there was heavy dialogue between Thomson and the UFC regarding the Cerrone bout, UFC officials announced on Thursday that John Makdessi has been pegged with the task.

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