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4. Josh Thomson vs. Nate Diaz
UFC on Fox 7
April 20, 2013 | San Jose, California
Thomson did what no one else had done before.

The former Strikeforce champion became the first man to ever finish Diaz with strikes, as he stopped “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 5 winner with an exquisite head kick and follow-up punches in a featured lightweight clash at UFC on Fox 7. Thomson brought it to a close 3:44 into round two, as he returned to the Octagon for the first time since August 2004.

Diaz spent a majority of the bout pursuing his nimble foe. Thomson leaned on leg kicks, picked his spots with punches and secured a well-time takedown in the first round. The damage exacted from the kicks was visible on Diaz’s left knee, which was grotesquely swollen. Thomson also connected on a head kick, and though only his foot landed, it served as a precursor for what was in store for Diaz. Thomson added standing elbows from the clinch in the second round, opening multiple cuts on Diaz’s face. With roughly 90 seconds to go in the frame, he fired another head kick, and this time, shin met skull. Diaz staggered and backpedaled, with Thomson closing in. A series of unanswered punches forced referee Mike Beltran to step in, stunning onlookers at the HP Pavilion.

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