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Friday, Aug 26, 2011

KJ Noons Tells Gilbert Melendez “Talk Is Cheap”, Lightweight Considering New Camp

By Kelsey Mowatt

It’s looking like Jorge Masvidal’s impressive, unanimous decision win over KJ Noons in June has earned him a title fight Gilbert Melendez, a match-up that the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion recently told FCF he would welcome. While Melendez recently credited Masvidal for his abilities, he also reported that he wasn’t overly surprised by the fighter’s recent win, adding that he always believed “KJ Noons would get exposed one day by someone who had all the tools.” It’s an analysis that Noons predictably doesn’t agree with. (Pictured: Noons (left) kicking Nick Diaz)

“It just wasn’t my night,” said Noons (10-4), while discussing the comments from Melendez regarding his loss to Masvidal. “We went in with the wrong game plan; it was the hardest training camp I’ve ever had. Styles make fights…it’s only a fifteen minute fight so when you fight at the top level it’s anyone’s game.”

“I don’t care. Talk is cheap,” Noons added. “I’m sure some day whenever he (Melendez) loses we’ll fight , or when I work my way back up, so,  people are entitled to whatever they want to say. I don’t give a sh-t.”

Although Masvidal outscored Noons by landing strikes both on the feet and on the ground, the former Elite XC champion continued to battle his opponent throughout the memorable bout.

“The only thing that last fight exposed is that I’m a tough mother (expletive),” Noons furthered. “I don’t know what Gilbert’s talking about. Let’s see how he reacts when he gets put in a bad situation.”

While Noons is clearly proud of the resiliency and toughness he demonstrated in the loss to Masvidal, the defeat was the 28 year-old-fighter’s second in a row. Last October, Nick Diaz avenged his November, 2007, stoppage loss (due to cuts) to Noons by working his way to a unanimous decision win over the experienced striker. Although Noons had won six straight fights prior to his recent defeats, the lightweight concedes that it may be time to change things up in his training and approach.

“I think I probably have to switch up the camp,” said Noons while discussing his future. “Maybe switch up the training partners and make sure I get a better game plan…I think I may have to go back to the way I used to fight, more of a counter fighter. I think I kind of changed my style a little bit, came forward more to make the fight more exciting…I think I may have to reinvent myself a little bit.”

“I wouldn’t mind going up to Urijah’s (Faber) camp up there in Sacramento,” Noons added when asked if he’s considering any specific gyms. “I don’t know, maybe I’ll even go check out (Greg) Jackson’s camp…No place in particular; it’s just a thought that’s popped in my head.”

Although Noons says he hasn’t had any discussions yet with Strikeforce, as to who and when he’ll fight next, he informed FCF that he would like to compete before the year is out.

“I love MMA,” said the experienced boxer and kickboxer while discussing the fact he’s fully committed to mixed-martial-arts at this juncture. “I just have to get back in there and get a good fight, work my way back up the rankings, build myself back up again.”

 

 

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 2:40 pm
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