Josh Thomson-Michael Johnson Lightweight Clash Added to UFC on Fox 12

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Josh Thomson will stay close to home for his next Octagon appearance, when “The Punk” locks horns with Michael Johnson at UFC on Fox 12 in San Jose, Calif.

UFC officials announced the booking Friday morning. UFC on Fox 12 takes place July 26 at the SAP Center and will also see Anthony Johnson collide with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in a light heavyweight duel.

Thomson hinted at possibly hanging up his gloves following a controversial decision defeat to Benson Henderson this past January, but that is clearly not the case. The former Strikeforce champion has alternated wins and losses in his last six fights and debuted in the UFC last year with a second-round technical knockout of Nate Diaz.

Eight years younger than his upcoming opponent, Johnson, 27, rides a three-fight winning streak into his meeting with the American Kickboxing Academy standout. “The Menace” last competed on March 8, when he took a routine unanimous decision victory over Melvin Guillard at UFC Fight Night “Gustafsson vs. Manuwa.”