Josh Thomson is back.
After missing all of 2016 due to injuries, Thomson will return to face Patricky Freire in the co-main event of Bellator 172 on Feb. 18 in San Jose, it was announced Friday night during the Bellator 171 broadcast.
Thomson (22-8, 1 NC) has finished both of his Bellator fights, most recently a second-round TKO of Pablo Villaseca in December 2015. “The Punk” was supposed to face Michael Chandler last May, but withdrew due to injury. Thomson, 38, has a decorated career in MMA’s lightweight division, knocking off the likes of Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez and Duane Ludwig.