Former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson is preparing to battle Patricky Freire this Saturday Night at Bellator 172.
Thomson, who’s currently undefeated in Bellator MMA competition, says that he will fight lightweight champion Michael Chandler on his own terms.
“I just feel that, with Chandler, he needs to have a little more self-respect for the title,” Thomson said to MMA Junkie. “You worked hard for it, you earned it, you are the champion – stop calling people out, dude. Don’t worry, the cream will rise to the top, and I’ll get you when it’s your turn. I’ll fight him when I want to fight him. I know he’s the champion, but whenever I decide I want to fight him, I’ll fight him. He had his opportunity to fight me this fight, on the biggest fight in Bellator history, and he turned it down. So whenever the opportunity comes up again, I’ll see if I can pencil you in.”
Freire, unlike Thomson, has already challenged for the Bellator MMA Lightweight Title, losing by knockout to current champion Michael Chandler.
The former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, who’s fight is the co-main event of Bellator 172, feels like the big man on campus.
“I hate to say it, but I’m kind of the big man on campus when it comes to the show,” Thomson said. “It’s a (expletive) situation to be in.”
Bellator 172 takes place on Saturday, February 18 from the SAP Center in San Jose, California with Fedor Emelianenko and Matt Mitrione headlining. Fightful will be providing live coverage of the event.
