The Triangle Choke: KJ Noons Interview
KJ Noons will face Nick Diaz for the Strikeforce Welterweight title on Saturday, October 9th
On Saturday October 9th KJ Noons will face Nick Diaz live on Showtime atop the Strikeforce Diaz vs. Noons fight card. The Strikeforce combatants first faced each other in November of 2007 in the now defunct EliteXC organization. In that bout Noons got the victory but Diaz cried foul. This fight has the potential to be the fight of the year. Diaz is widely regarded as one of the top welterweights on the planet while Noons may have the best hands in the sport. Noons took some time to answer a few questions leading up to the much anticipated battle:
SD- There is still a lot of discussion regarding boxers in MMA and vice versa. MMA fans are crowing over Randy Couture's victory against James Toney (who is well past his prime). What are your thoughts on the debate given your vast experience in both boxing and MMA?
KJ- I thingk both sports are different and it's good entertainment when fights like Randy and Toney happen.
SD- Speak about your boxing career and how that has helped you in MMA.
KJ- I have been boxing since I was a kid in a lot of amateur fights and now have 14 pro boxing fights. I think it helps me a lot in my fights and makes me better than my opponent at that discipline. But MMA is not boxing and both sports are hard to succeed in.
SD- You took almost two years off from MMA to concentrate on boxing. You are now 9-1 overall and on a six fight winning streak (3-0 this year) - how did the layoff help and how has your game evolved?
KJ- I stayed busy in the gym and competed in boxing events while I was away from MMA. I think the layoff helped because it made me motivated to be the best I can be in MMA.
SD- Your last victory was in impressive fashion over a very tough Jorge Gurgel. Speak about that victory and the controversy regarding the "late" hit and the referee hesitating on the stoppage in the 2nd round/
KJ- I was very happy with the win and to win by KO. Jorge has never been stopped in a MMA fight and for me that is a good win. The punch was already thrown while the bell was ringing, so not late. In regards to the referee not stopping the fight or hesitating, Jorge was still fighting but out of it, and the ref was using his own discretion.
SD- Speaking of controversy - you defeated controversial figure Nick Diaz in 2007 via a stoppage due to a cut. What was your take on the first go round with Nick?
KJ- I beat him, he cried, that's why I'm giving him a rematch.
SD- Now the rematch is set for October 9th and you are stepping up weight. Talk about the effect of that and if you are concerned about the possible weight disadvantage.
KJ- I don't have to cut any weight, and I believe my skill will help me win the fight and the weight won't be a disadvantage.
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SD- Diaz seems to have matured and now appears to be more of a focused fighter. That combined with his immense skill makes an elite fighter in the 170 division. What are your thoughts on the 2010 version of Diaz?
KJ- I think he is a good fighter, but I know I'm a better fighter.
SD- His reach and unorthodox striking style typically get to his opponent. How do you combat that and what do you feel your strengths are coming into this fight?
KJ- I believe he is going to try to take it to the ground. I will keep it standing and take my chances with his unorthodox style.
SD- Speak about your camp for this fight and how you feel physically.
KJ- I traveled to many gyms and had a lot of good training partners. I feel the best I have ever and I am ready for the fight.
SD- Thanks KJ - any comments for your fans and most importantly Nick?
KJ- Thanks to everyone that helped me out and supported me.
By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Editor in Chief