Skip to main content
/themes/custom/ufc/assets/img/default-hero.jpg

Pettis vs. Thomson Headlining FOX 9

Josh Thomson nabs December title shot against new champion Anthony Pettis...

The main event for UFC Fight Night on FOX December 14 has been verbally agreed to as UFC lightweight world champion Anthony "Showtime" Pettis will defend his title against number-five ranked contender Josh "The Punk" Thomson.

Pettis recently reclaimed the belt from Benson Henderson, from whom he'd won the WEC lightweight title in 2010, via a first-round armbar that earned Submission of the Night honors. Thomson most recently earned a Knockout of the Night bonus for his highlight-reel finish of Nate Diaz. Neither Henderson nor Diaz had previously been stopped in their UFC careers.

Top-ranked TJ Grant, who'd been expected to challenge for the title at UFC 164 before being injured, tweeted an update on Monday night. "I am still not yet 100% and can't commit to fight," he wrote. "It sucks but it is the best for both myself and the UFC. Please don't worry. I'll be back."

The card also features a blockbuster 135-pound fight between Urijah Faber and Michael McDonald. Tickets for the Sacramento event will go on sale October 4.