"I think BJ Penn proved last Saturday night why he is the No. 1 guy. I've said it for years, I believe he's the No. 1 lightweight in the world. I said that even when he was (fighting) at 170, if he'd stay at 155 he'd be the best in the world. But I think that No. 2 is a far cry from who they think the best is. There are so many guys in contention (for that spot) from (Shinya) Aoki, to Eddie Alvarez to myself. I think we're the top three right now. You could possibly count in "JZ" (Gesias Cavalcante), though I haven't seen him fight in a little bit because he's been inactive. Gilbert I think is right up there as well. As long as BJ stays in the lightweight division in the UFC, I don't think he's fighting the best guys in the world. So, here we are. I'm over here in Strikeforce, Aoki is basically in a relationship with Strikeforce and Eddie Alvarez as well. You're talking the top three guys right there that BJ will never fight, because we're not in the UFC." -Josh Thomson

Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson sheds light on the perceived lack of quality opponents left for UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn in the UFC's lightweight division. Penn easily bested the lightweight divisions top two contenders, Kenny Florian and Diego Sanchez, in succession, and may look again soon to the organization's welterweight division for worthy challengers.

UFC President Dana White recently stated that he'd like to see Penn fight another time or two at lightweight before again moving up to the welterweight division for a possible match up with a top contender or two before getting a third shot at current welterweight champ and personal nemesis Georges St. Pierre.

Thomson (16-2) will be facing Gilbert Melendez (16-2) this Saturday at Strikeforce: Evolution in a highly anticipated rematch to crown a unified Strikeforce lightweight champion. The winner will likely then square off against Shinya Aoki, the man considered to be the best lightweight in the world not named B.J. Penn.