Thatch was expected to face Stephen Thompson on February 14, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 60. However, Thompson pulled out of the fight on January 30, citing a rib injury. Subsequently, Thatch faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson at the event. Thatch lost the back and forth fight via submission in the fourth round. Their performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.
Thatch was expected to face John Howard on July 11, 2015 at UFC 189. However, on June 23, Thatch was pulled from that bout in favor of a fight with Gunnar Nelson, as his scheduled opponent, John Hathaway, was forced out with an injury. Thatch lost the fight by submission in the first round after getting knocked down by Nelson.