Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson (18-3) and DREAM contender and former PRIDE standout Tatsuya Kawajiri (26-6-2) will square off on the K-1 “Dynamite!!” Dec. 31 card in Japan.
Thomson lost the Strikeforce belt in a rematch with Gilbert Melendez in 2009, but came back to win both of his bouts this year, submitting Pat Healy and winning a close split decision over Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante.
Kawajiri had been on a four-fight winning streak before losing his last fight on July 10, suffering a first round submission loss to DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki.
Also on the card, Bibiano Fernandes will defend his DREAM featherweight title against Hiroyuki Takaya.
[…] Josh Thomson vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri on “Dynamite!!” New Year’s Eve card Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson (18-3) and DREAM contender… […]