Strikeforce Preview: K.J. Noons vs Jorge Masvidal

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The K.J. Noons vs Jorge Masvidal match is scheduled for this weekend at Strikeforce: Overeem vs Werdum; the two lightweights will do battle to determine which man will be the next number one contender for a title shot against the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez. K.J. Noons would no doubt love to strap championship gold around his waist as an early wedding gift to himself the only problem is Jorge Masvidal has his own dreams of championship glory.

K.J. Noons ( 10-3 ) is a mixed martial artist and a former professional boxer who is probably best known to mma fans for his two fights against Nick Diaz. Although the former EliteXC lightweight champ lost the rematch against Diaz in October 2010, he’s shrugged off the loss and wants to plow through Masvidal to prove once and for all that he is worthy of a title shot. In a recent pre fight interview with Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, Noons claimed he had abandoned his professional boxing career in order to focus full time on mma, training and the future title shot. Noons said that his current training camp has been tougher and more grueling than previous camps and he’s even cut his hair. Fans may recall in the last bout vs Diaz that Noons kept using his hands to push his long hair out of his face. With this new training intensity, his fresh look and up coming marriage the only thing left in this comeback story is fighting for and winning the Strikeforce lightweight title later this year.

It’s doubtful that Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal ( 27-6 ) has any concern for wedding invitations or new haircuts. The tough and gritty fighter from the mean streets of Miami will surely be looking to snuff out Noons fighters fairy tale and put himself in the top spot. Masvidal earned his “game bred” moniker in back yard brawls on Miami’s underground fighting circuit made famous by Kimbo Slice. Since those early days he has become a professional mma fighter and done a bit of boxing of his own. Masvidal has aligned himself with American Top Team and as a result of the more disciplined training he has improved his skills immensely. Jorge has plenty of experience and has some notable wins over UFC vets Joe Lauzon and Yves Edwards. Jorge Masvidal knows that the up and coming match against Noons is the opportunity he’s been waiting for and victory could be his golden ticket to a title shot of his own.

There is no doubt that when two highly skilled strikers who are equally tough and durable meet up in the cage to decide who is number one, the fist will be flying. Expect and stand up match throughout where Noons will come out firing kicks to soften up Masvidal who will be looking to establish his own jab to the face and body. Masvidal is dangerous from the clinch so if he starts eating big punches he’ll seek to get his hands on Noons and work him over with knees. With the number one contender spot up for grabs it’s a sure bet that each fighter would love a big knock out finish. However this one will most likely go the distance and if Noons can stay composed, avoid the clinch and use his kicks and boxing he should walk away with a decision victory.

Prediction: KJ Noons by unanimous decision

Skully Williams has been a fighting fan most of his life. What started out as a casual interest in pro wrestling and boxing has evolved into a full time passion for MMA. Combined with his love of writing this pugilistic penman is delighted to be a part of the Inside Fights team.