Josh Thomson: I ask for higher ranked guys, and I keep getting no-names

SAN JOSE – UFC lightweight Josh Thomson says his motivation to be a fighter hasn’t necessarily waned in recent years, but now, he’s thinking about the next chapter of his life.

Thomson briefly retired and then returned to the sport this past year. He said he is interested in being a UFC commentator for FOX and is busy running his own gym in Northern California.

And while he isn’t done yet with fighting, he isn’t entirely satisfied with where he stands in the UFC.

“I’ve asked for guys that are ranked higher than me,” Thomson said. “I’ve asked for guys that are top guys, and I keep getting guys I’ve never heard of. So it’s a little frustrating.

“It’s like (Philadelphia Eagles running back) Demarco Murray. We’re not going to invest in you because you’re (27), so let’s move you somewhere else, salary cap you and see what happens. I get it. It’s a promotion – it’s no different than the NFL.”

Thomson, who recently withdrew from a UFC Fight Night 62 booking against the unranked Gilbert Burns, said he doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder. He said it’s the promotion’s job to build younger contenders.

But, does it feel good? No.

“It’s more of a personal thing,” he said.

Thomson (20-7 MMA, 3-3 UFC) will have a chance to bat down one young contender, Tony Ferguson (18-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC), when the two meet at UFC Fight Night 71 on July 15 in San Diego.

But that’s only if he doesn’t get what he’s been asking for on Twitter in a round-about sort of way: a short-notice fight against Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 next month after Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled out with an injury.

Check out the above video to get Thomson’s thoughts on his career, Burns, and his upcoming currently scheduled fight at UFC Fight Night 71.

For more on UFC Fight Night 71, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.