The 29-year old Thompson went on popular internet forum the Underground Sunday morning and announced he will be hanging up his trunks for a three-piece suit in order to do battle in a courtroom rather than a cage from here on out.

“I love this sport and all that it has given to me and it is with a mix of joy and sadness that I realize that I am no longer willing to pay the price necessary to compete at the level I expect from myself – the level of guys like Ben, (Brent) Weedman and (Jay) Heiron,” Thompson began. “I have reached a point where it is more important to me to spend time at home with my daughter and wife, who have been great about me competing, and focus on developing my law career at O’Flaherty Heim Egan & Birnbaum LTD, which has also been great about me competing. I am grateful for the many wonderful people who supported me and those I met in mixed martial arts, fans and fighters, and am hopeful that I can give something back to the sport I love by coaching and/or representing the next crop of mixed martial arts superstars.”

As far as the outcome of his swan song, though Thompson clearly was not pleased with the loss he explained he was still honored to have fought someone with the Bellator welterweight champ’s ability in his farewell performance.

“I have fought many great fighters, even beating a few along the way. In all those fights, I have never felt as frustrated as I felt (Saturday night). Askren is truly a great wrestler/grappler and I look forward to seeing him develop in the sport. I have been a fan of Ben’s since I knew him in high school and am appreciative that Bellator provided me an opportunity for my last fight to be against a fighter for whom I have such tremendous respect.”

“The Goat” will walk away from the sport with a 38-14-1 record including thirty-two finishing performances with twenty-two submissions and ten TKOs. Highlights of his eight-year run in MMA include victories over Josh Neer, Paul Daley, and Eddie Alvarez.

Five Ounces of Pain would like to thank Thompson for the hours of entertainment and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors (unless somehow standing opposite from him in court)!

“I come to fight every single time. Whether you’re good or you’re bad, I still want to smash you, and it’s going to be the same thing when I fight Thompson,” the 2008 Olympic wrestler explained while shrugging off the significant difference in ring-time between the two. “It doesn’t matter what his record is, I’m looking to kick his ass.”

Though Thompson has lost his last three fights he should still pose perhaps the biggest test the 7-0 Askren has faced thus far. Adding to his experience advantage “The Goat” has also faced a number of top opponents throughout his career and has notched victories over the likes of Paul Daley, Josh Neer, and Eddie Alvarez.

“I think the biggest advantage for me in this fight with Ben is the fact that I’ve fought more than fifty fights,” said Thompson. “I’ve fought in every organization, I’ve fought against the best fighters in the world, and I’ve been ranked in the top ten. Ben hasn’t been there. I plan on hitting him like he’s never been hit before and I’m excited to find out how he’s going to react.”

Bellator 40 will air live on MTV along with the other slew of events scheduled to take place over Season 4 starting on March 5 with Bellator 35.

PHOTO CREDIT – BELLATOR

This Friday night’s bout between Paul “Semtex” Daley and Nick “The Goat” Thompson is one that could just as well be taking place at Saturday night’s UFC card, but it will be taking place at Canada’s largest fight promotion instead. The two extremely dangerous and highly talented 170 pounders will lock horns at MFC 20: Destined for Greatness. An event appropriately titled as the winner of this bout may very well be headed in that direction.

Long known and feared as one of the game’s most lethal strikers, Daley has the kind of explosiveness, showmanship and stand up firepower that any organization would be glad to add to their roster, but according to Daley there is just one promotion that he has his sights set on for 2009, and it’s easy to see why.

The twenty five year old Nottingham, England fighter stated in an exclusive interview with FiveOuncesOfPain.com conducted just days before his showdown with Thompson, that he has every intention of making his way to the UFC in 2009.

First things first, he has a menacingly experienced and large welterweight in the form of Thompson that he has to deal with this Friday night before he can plan on fighting anywhere.

Cory Brady: Did you expect John Alessio to stand up with you as much as he did?

Paul Daley: I did anticipate for John to stand with me for a little while because he isn’t really a standout fighter in any area. I expected a bit of everything, as he showed with takedown attempts, boxing, etc.

Cory Brady: Where have you spent most of your time training for Nick Thompson and who are some of the key people that have been helping you out?

Paul Daley: I have split my camp between the UK and Holland for my fight with Nick. I have been training in the UK with Dan Hardy, Jim Wallhead and some others.

Cory Brady: I know you have been training with Melvin Manhoef recently. Have you had a chance to work with him at all for this one?

Paul Daley: This fight I did not train so much with Melvin himself, but have still been at the great Mike’s Gym, with all the other great fighters.

Cory Brady: Who has been the base of your training crew?

Paul Daley: The core of my training crew for this fight has been Joey Van Wanrooy, Mike Passenier from Mike’s Gym, Dan Hardy, Jim Wallhead and Lee Livingston.

Cory Brady: What are your thoughts on Nick Thompson and how do you feel you guys match up?

Paul Daley: Nick is a very tough guy. He’s big for a welterweight and well rounded. I don’t mind the height difference at all. I have always been the small guy in the ring or cage but I always find a way to blow away the height advantage.

Cory Brady: Do you feel that Nick is going to try to get you to the ground as soon as possible or do you anticipate for him to try to trade with you at all?

Paul Daley: I don’t think it is that obvious that he will take it to the ground. He has great stand up ability. He showed how good his stand up is in his fight with Eddie Alvarez, who is much the same as me in height and build.

Cory Brady: What do you think of Nick’s wrestling ability?

Paul Daley: I think his wrestling is OK, but he is no Jake Shields and I did pretty good at stuffing some of Jake’s takedowns.

Cory Brady: You don’t expect to have any problems stuffing his takedown attempts?

Paul Daley: His wrestling will not be a problem, I am better than that.

Cory Brady: What would be the absolute perfect ending to this fight for you?

Paul Daley: The perfect ending to this fight would be a victory via KO with a KO of the night bonus, after an exciting fight…of the night.

Cory Brady: Are you under contract with MFC right now or are you a free agent?

Paul Daley: I am not under contract with MFC but I am not a free agent…..Yet.

Cory Brady: I’m going to ask you about three different organizations and I would like to know your brief thoughts on each one and if you would ever consider fighting for any of the promotions in the future.

Cory Brady: Strikeforce?

Paul Daley: Strikeforce is a great organization and they put on great shows.

Cory Brady: Affliction?

Paul Daley: Affliction has great shows, great fight purses and really cool t-shirts.

Cory Brady: Then of course, the UFC?

Paul Daley: I would love to fight for the UFC, as the best fighters in the world in my weight category are there. I would love to fight for the UFC in 2009.

Thompson has plenty of reasons to be proud of his accomplishments in mixed martial arts and he currently has a very good reason to be proud of what he has been able to accomplish outside of the sport. Thompson’s most recent victory came as far away from the ring as one could imagine.

Thompson recently passed the Minnesota state bar exam and a career in law is inevitable once he decides he has accomplished all that he could in the game. The question for Thompson at this point in his career is when to make that formal crossover which would most likely include his departure from the sport that he has grown to love.

In an exclusive interview with FiveOuncesOfPain.com, Thompson admitted that even he doesn’t hold the answer to how long he will continue to fight with a promising career in law staring him right in his face. The answer to that question may very well lie in how successful or unsuccessful he is at Sengoku’s upcoming welterweight tournament.

Will the tournament be the last time we see the one that is known as “The Goat’ in action or will it just be the turning of a page in the distinguished career of Thompson? Time will tell.

Thompson will make those decisions when that time comes but for now he has his tunnel vision and all he can see is Paul Daley. The two have a date with destiny when they face off on February 20 at “MFC 20: Destined for Greatness.” Which of the talented welterweights will truly be destined for greatness will be determined by the bouts outcome in what will surely be an action filled contest between two of the divisions most dangerous competitors.

Cory Brady: Congratulations on passing the Minnesota state bar exam. That’s an amazing accomplishment. When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in law?

Nick Thompson: I have a BA in philosophy and think law is philosophy’s practical application. It seemed like a natural progression once I finished college.

Cory Brady: Which specific area of law do you plan on practicing in?

Nick Thompson: I enjoy tax, contracts and sports law. If I were to represent fighters and other athletes, it would allow me to practice all three areas. That would be ideal.

Cory Brady: Do you have plans to leave fighting for law anytime soon or do you see yourself fighting for many years to come?

Nick Thompson: After the Shields loss, I pondered moving to other areas. I sacrifice a lot in order to be at my best in mixed martial arts and I do not know how much longer I am willing to make those sacrifices. Sengoku has a welterweight tournament later this year and my future plans may turn on the outcome of my performance there.

Cory Brady: This is going to be your second fight in as many months. Do you have plans to stay busy in 2009?

Nick Thompson: I find it easier to train when I have a concrete goal. I want to fight as often as possible. I would fight 12 times a year if I could.

Cory Brady: How are you feeling physically heading into your fight with Paul Daley?

Nick Thompson: Despite being really disappointed in my performance on CBS, it was a god send as far as training. I don’t know what has gotten into me but I am tearing it up in the practice room. Hopefully that will carry over into the ring.

Cory Brady: Who are some of the key people that have been helping you to prepare for this one?

Nick Thompson: Sean Sherk, Derrick Noble, Jacob Volkman and Nik Lentz have been my main training partners. Nat McIntyre and Greg Nelson have been my primary coaches.

Cory Brady: What are some of the areas you have been focusing on in the gym since your bout with Jake Shields?

Nick Thompson: Not getting choked.

Cory Brady: How do you feel you match up with Daley?

Nick Thompson: Paul is scary on the feet but I feel like I should be able to hold my own with him there. If I can make the stand-up portion of the fight competitive, I think it will be easier to get it to the ground where I believe I have a distinct advantage.

Cory Brady: What do you think will be some of your key advantages over Daley?

Nick Thompson: I think my ability to utilize my jiu-jitsu and wrestling will determine whether I succeed in this fight.

Cory Brady: Are you going to be looking to get this fight to the ground as soon as possible or will you be confident trading with Daley?

Nick Thompson: I am going to try and stand but everyone says that until they get hit. Once I am hit, we will see what happens.

Cory Brady: When I spoke with Daley recently, he was quick to point out your win over Eddie Alvarez who is very similar to him in size and style somewhat. Do your wins over guys like Neer, Alvarez and Weir give you a certain level of confidence going into this fight with Daley?

Nick Thompson: It is nice to know that you have beaten guys who are at your opponents level but come fight time, those wins won’t do anything for me. I have to show up and be at my best or else I will be sorely disappointed in the result.

Cory Brady: Not looking past Paul Daley at all but would you like to have another fight with Jake Shields at some point down the road?

Nick Thompson: Yes. My goal is to improve until I am the better fighter. I won’t know if I have reached that goal unless I earn another fight with Jake.

Cory Brady: Everyone knows the story as to how you got your nickname but you definitely don’t have the same problem that you used to. Would you attribute that to developing a stronger chin or to not getting hit as much?

Nick Thompson: Both. I am more used to getting hit and also more knowledgeable about how to avoid being hit.

Cory Brady: I have to tell you, I’m a huge fan of the neck beard. Have you had enough time to establish a good neck beard for this upcoming fight or will you opt to go with the balding old man haircut?

Nick Thompson: No. I probably will come in clean cut. Sorry to disappoint.

Cory Brady: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?

Nick Thompson: As always, I would like to thank everyone at MMAA. I would also like to thank TapouT, MMA Warehouse, Gamma-O and Calio shoes for supporting me.

Robbie Lawler sealed the deal this time around.

Lawler looked to be the better fighter in the first outing and I had the fight scored in favor of him until the stoppage the first time, but he sealed the deal last knight with a knee right to Smith’s ribs that sent the challenger to the floor and eventually led to a stoppage. The first time around, it’s hard to tell who would have won. But last night it was clear that Lawler was not going to let things get out of hand, especially after he was cut. As we look toward the future, it’s hard to say who Lawler will fight next in the middlweight division. After Murilo Rua’s devastation of Tony Bonello back in May, I have to think that Rua may be in line to take another crack at Lawler and try to win back the EliteXC title that was once his.

Jake Shields is extremely underrated.

Nick Thompson is one of the best welterweights in the entire world and Jake Shields made him look like a punk last night. I mean, Shields finished Thompson with a one arm guillotine from the mount. One arm, people. His other arm was posted on the mat. That’s extremely impressive against a fighter the caliber of Nick Thompson. I have Shields ranked as the #3 welterweight in the world in my rankings that I submit to WAMMA every month and last night he validated that high of a spot in the rankings. He may very well be the best fighter on EliteXC’s entire roster. When you make great competition look like child’s play, you’re not working with a level playing field. Shields doesn’t get a whole lot of play because he’s not in the one organization that really matters, the UFC, but he is without a doubt one of the top three or five welterweights in the world. It’s time to start giving the man his credit.

Nick Diaz did what he was supposed to do.

Thomas Denny was a game opponent but he was just overmatched by Diaz’s overall game. It’s dangerous to put Diaz on his back because of his jiu jitsu game but it’s also dangerous to stand with him because of his reach and his boxing skills. Denny is sort of a tailor made opponent for Diaz and Diaz took advantage of it. If you’re a Diaz fan you had to be a little worried by the way the fight started out but once things settled down and Diaz got into his zone, the fight was all but over. Denny was so gassed at the end of the first round that you almost knew when he came out for the second that the fight was all but over. Diaz did what he was supposed to do: win in his hometown, establish himself on national television, and now I’m sure we’ll see him taking on K.J. Noons in the near future for the EliteXC lightweight title. That could very well happen in October at the next CBS show.

Let’s see Cris Cyborg take on Gina Carano.

You want to talk about fireworks? That’s a fight that will produce them. What Mrs. Cyborg did to Shayna Baszler last night was very impressive. Baszler is more known for her grappling than her standup but she was never able to get Cris to the ground and keep it there. And while they were standing, Cyborg dominated with the relentless Chute Boxe style that we’ve seen time and time again from fighters like Wanderlei Silva, Maurico Rua, and her husband, Cyborg Santos. Baszler is, by far, one of the best women fighters in the land but she was unable to do much against the overwhelming style of Cris Cyborg, especially when Cyborg stuffed most of her takedown attempts. I know Kelly Kobold is being talked about as Carano’s next opponent, but after last night’s showing, it’s evident that a fight with Cris Cyborg would not only be exciting, but would be another great test for EliteXC’s golden girl.

Overall, I enjoyed the show quite a bit and have to give it a B+ rating. I thought getting rid of the dancing girls was a huge plus, the pacing of the show was much better than last time, and the fights were exciting and fast paced. A solid effort from CBS and EliteXC, but the real question will be how much of America actually watched it.

UFCJunkie.com broke the news late last week that Jake O’Brien had to pull out of the match against Murphy with a back injury (which could be career-threatening, according to his agent, Ken Pavia).  The UFC had contacted Justin McCully about filling in as a last-minute replacement but he couldn’t get his injury suspension reduced.