The co-main event for next month’s Bellator 172 card is set and it’s a lightweight division attraction as Josh Thomson will be taking on Patricky Freire.
Thomson (22-8-0-1NC) is currently undefeated under the Bellator MMA banner, defeating the duo of Mike Bronzoulis and Pablo Villaseca. Thomson only won just one of four fights during his time in the UFC, defeating Nate Diaz, while suffering defeats to Tony Ferguson, Ben Henderson and Bobby Green. Thomson is a former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, he defeated Gilbert Melendez by decision to win the championship in 2008.
Freire (16-8-0) hasn’t competed since losing a lightweight title fight to Michael Chandler at Bellator MMA Dynamite 2, the lost came by first round knockout. Freire had won six of eight fights before the title fight loss, with some notable victories coming over David Rickels, Derek Campos, Saad Awad and Ryan Couture. Freire has been a part of Bellator MMA for nearly six years now, earning a grand total of nine victories in the promotion.
Bellator 172 takes place on Saturday, February 18 from the SAP Center in San Jose, California with Fedor Emelianenko and Matt Mitrione headlining, the main card will be airing live on Spike TV.
