His destruction of Nate Diaz was incredible. It was also over 2 years ago. Since then, he put on an excellent performance against Ben Henderson (I actually thought he should've won that fight), the following fight. Then, his fights have been the epitome of a man approaching retirement and seriously considering it (he said this HIMSELF), sparring matches with absolutely nothing memorable happening. And losing. The Ferguson fight was memorable mainly coz it was proof of the old-guard passing the torch, getting out-classed by a more hungry, well-rounded up-and-comer.
Thomson has maybe 3-4 fights left before he retires. Knowing Bellator his debut will be against a 8-4 guy from California, he'll win in round 1, get a second wind. The hype can build. Then Chandler and Brooks will embarrass him, and he'll retire.
Exact same scenario for Koscheck.
This is why these battle-worn veterans are disposable for the UFC. They earn a lot of money compared to most of their divisions, but are no longer capable of turning in 'wow' performances and continuously lose to legit top fighters. It's not worth the payday.
In Bellator they can get a nice payday, some awesome sponsor money (that is wicked, I fucking hate the Reebok deal), then retire. Bellator is becoming a retirement home for UFC veterans - I long for the days when it was all about impressive, exciting prospects you'd never heard of until they entered a Bellator tournament.
