Josh Thomson: A True Lightweight Champion of Strikeforce

However, before he gets ready to unleash fury on Melendez, he took a second to talk to Bleacher Report to let fans know how his training has gone, who he feels is an unknown gem at American Kickboxing Academy, and how he feels about the Michael Vick case.

Nick (www.bleacherreport.com): Josh, how’s training camp been going for this rematch with Gilbert, and how do you feel you’ve improved since the last time you met?

Josh: You know, I’d say I’ve gotten better since the last time we met, but given the last two injuries, it’s like a knocking off the ring rust thing you know?

I can say my training has improved in the gym, but with the ring rust, we’ll see what happens. I think it’s going to be fun. I feel good. What are we, eight weeks out now?
Author Poll

Is Josh Thomson one of the top 5 Lightweights in the world?

* Yes
* No
* Fight Better Competition and we'll see

vote to see results

I feel okay and everything feels good. I’m already sparring four rounds and looking to move up to five next week. So I think sparring five rounds eight weeks out is pretty impressive.

I think I’m in good enough shape and I’m working out with good guys and tough guys, so their pushing me. Should be good!

Nick (www.bleacherreport.com): You’re 16-2, a very impressive record taking into account the guys you’ve faced off against. Half of those wins have come via submission techniques. Do you prefer to stand and bang with your opponents, or do you prefer to take them to the ground and submit them?

Josh: Well, I consider myself a pretty technical striker, so, but the one thing I lack is knockout power. I’ll hit you two or three times, I have good speed, and I’m pretty accurate with my punches, but I guess you could say I lack knockout power.

It’s really, well, submissions just seem to fall my way. I’m pretty good in transition and I’m good in the scramble, and those kind of things.

I’ll take a win any way I can get it. If it’s a cut, you know, some fighters like to say they like to win a certain way, but as a fighter a win is a win.