Josh “The Punk” Thomson is sporting a 7-1 record in the Strikeforce promotion, and the former Strikeforce lightweight champion is hungry to get his crown back, as he takes his first step this weekend when he faces Pat Healy.

Mike: Just wanted to start off by seeing how you've been and what you have been doing since the fight with Gilbert Melendez?
Josh: I’ve been training to tighten up my game ‘cause in that fight my technique wasn't where I needed it to be to beat Gilbert.

Mike: Speaking of that fight, it actually won the fight of the year award from our magazine. Do you have an acceptance speech ready for us? (laughs) and what were your thoughts on how that fight went down?
Josh: I knew that it wasn't my night half way through the third round, so I made it the best fight possible for the fans while trying to be the first person to KO Gilbert. Came up short, but was happy with how I fought for the fans… yet disappointed I lost my title.

Mike: What are the odds of a third Thomson vs Melendez fight sometime down the road?
Josh: 100%, but I need to get back on top of my game before I’m ready for another shot at the title. That wasn't the best Josh Thomson, shit, I haven’t seen the best Josh Thomson yet.

Mike: You were originally set to take on Lye Beerbohm, but he turned it down due to injury, along with 3-4 others after that. Is it frustrating when you can't get an opponent set for a fight that is quickly approaching?
Josh: No, you just have to know your fighting someone and that someone truly thinks they can beat you; otherwise they wouldn’t take the fight. I have to be ready to fight anyone they put in front of me and that’s what I’ve been doing since the Melendez fight.

Mike: Pat Healy ended up stepping up and taking the fight. He's a very game opponent, and looked pretty good in his LW debut. What are your thoughts on him?
Josh: He's an amazing fighter who has beatin’ the who's who in this sport. If I don’t fight great I’ll be walkin’ out of that ring with another loss on my record.

Mike: How do you see this fight ending?
Josh: Hopefully fast, early, and in my favor. (laughs)

Mike: Fill in the blank, after this fight Pat Healy will be __________ ?
Josh: Lookin’ at a small set back in his career.

Mike: Quickly back to Beerbohm, he is climbing the LW ladder and starting to make a name in the division, but soon after turning down your fight due to what I am sure is a legit injury... he called out Gilbert Melendez which was a little odd. Could you give us your thoughts on that? Do you feel he thinks he is above you in the division? Or just wanting a shot at the champ like most guys do?
Josh: All I gotta say is "TAKE A FUCKIN’ NUMBER", Who doesn’t wanna fight the champ, but where would this sport be if we just threw every Joe Blow in the ring with our champions? He's a talented fighter but thinks he's entitled to more than what he's earned.

Mike: If a fight between you and Lyle went down, how do you see it playing out?
Josh: Anyway I want it to. I’m a better wrestler, striker, grappler and fighter than him, so I'd fight him smart while beating him everywhere I wanted.

Mike: Fedor also fights on the card, taking on Werdum. Who do you have winning this fight?
Josh: Fedor. No brainer. Werdum can’t take him down, and sure as hell can’t stand with him.

Mike: What has been the most memorable moment in your career?
Josh: I have three.

1st, every fighter wants to know if they have it in them to quit when the pressure is being put down on them. In the Hermes Franca fight he dropped me in the 3rd round and beat me down for 2 minutes but I held on and was able to finish with some great offense by the end of the round. It meant a lot to me to know that I didn’t have that quit in me under pressure.

2nd, winning my Strikeforce title given everything I had been through within that year. My father and Grandmother had both passed away within a year of each other so I was sad my father didn’t get to see that, or share that moment with my grandmother since she wouldn’t watch anyways. (laughs).

3rd, My last fight with Gilbert ‘cause I’ve always wanted one of my fights to be nominated for fight of the year. It’s a shame I couldn’t get the win as well but I’m glad it was so memorable.

Mike: You are a popular fighter, and seem like you like to go out and have fun and really appreciate your fans. What's the craziest or most awkward fan story you have?
Josh: I try to always be social with my fans, but it’s always awkward when you’re tryin’ to eat with your girl and fans sit next to you so they can ask you questions throughout your meal. It’s a lil’ strange, but I chose this job and with this job comes fans so I can live with it ‘cause after I'm done fighting, I’m sure I’ll wish I had it all again. I need to treasure these moments no matter how strange they get. (laughs).

Mike: A perfect shot to the jaw, a shot straight to the liver or getting caught in a kneebar. Which hurts the most?
Josh: Liver by far ‘cause you actually feel it for several minutes.

Mike: And which one would you most like to use, to finish a fight?
Josh: I would take a win anyway I can get it. A win is a win.

Mike: Last one, if they made a movie about your life... who should they have play your role?
Josh: ME. Don’t be surprised if you see something within the next couple years.

Mike: Any sponsors you want to add or anyone you'd like to thank?
Josh: Dethrone, TCB (Takin’ Care of Business) and of course AKA trainers/fighters who helped me get where I am today.

Mike: Thanks Josh, look forward to the fight!