Hometown hero Thomson fails to call out champ after successful Bellator debut

Veteran Josh Thomson was successful in his Bellator debut Friday night as he headlined a card in his hometown of San Jose, Calif.

The Strikeforce and Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran knocked out Pablo Villaseca in the second round of a lightweight bout that headlined Bellator 147 on Spike TV.

Thomson's win and resume put him in position to at least request a title fight against champion Will Brooks, but Thomson has other plans.

"Will Brooks is a great fighter man, and he has the belt," Thomson said. "But, regardless of the gold around his waist, the fans want me to fight Michael Chandler and I fight for the fans."

Brooks wasn't thrilled with the lack of a callout. He quickly took to social media to issue a plea to former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, who recently became a free agent, to sign with Bellator.

All I know is this if Bendo was to come over here I know that dude will want to fight. #fingerscrossed," Brooks posted. "I hope Bendo does come to Bellator because I need a challenge. I need someone to make me fight at 100. I haven't had that yet and I need it."

Henderson responded late Friday that he would certainly accept the challenge if contract discussions landed him in Bellator.

Also on the card, featherweight Daniel Weichel won a unanimous decision over Georgi Karakhanyan and lightweight Derek Anderson took a split decision over Patricky Freire.

Brian Rogers and Adam Piccolotti earned submission victories.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj