After a couple of wins and losses, Sutherland defeated Jack Mason through a decision at UCMMA 18 - Face Off to earn the right to face UCMMA Middleweight Champion, Mark Weir.
He has continued to fight since then, On 26 March 2011, after amassing a record of 7-2, with his only losses coming to future UFC heavyweight Rob Broughton and former UFC fighter Joe Vedepo, Thompson took on defending UCMMA champion Ben Smith at UCMMA 19.