(KJ Noons is one of Strikeforce’s top guns at 155.)
K.J. Noons and Jorge Gurgel plan to put on a show while establishing themselves as the clear number one contender for Gilbert Melendez’s 155-pound strap.
“In my eyes, Jorge is the number one contender. I think he beat Billy Evangelista. In my eyes, this is a tough fight for me and by no means am I taking anything light or training like I have this one in the bag,” said Noons. “This is probably the hardest I’ve ever trained. This is probably one of the most dangerous opponents I’ve had.”
“I agree, I did not lose the fight to Billy Evangelista,” added Gurgel. “I consider myself the number one contender. KJ Noons was brought into the organization as a former world champion, also the number one contender. He is the most elevated guy in the lightweight division. So I agree with him, the best man that walks out there that day, the winner of the fight should get a title shot against a great champion in Gilbert Melendez.”
Gurgel declared he’ll fight standing fast and hard until someone’s hand is raised. When asked about his affinity to trade rather than employ his jiu-jitsu black belt, the Brazilian quipped, “I don’t remember last time I tried a takedown. I don’t even practice those things. What is a takedown again?”
Noons is excited to be across from an opponent like Gurgel.
“Jorge comes out and puts on great shows. If you want to watch jiu-jitsu in a gi, go to a tournament. This is fighting, you know what I mean?” he said. “You want to watch some lay and gay? Go watch Jake Shields, go watch [Georges St-Pierre], go watch something boring as hell. You want to see something exciting? Come the 21st, get a guy that’s been boxing his whole life, get a guy who stands up and has a black belt in jiu-jitsu. Don’t get me wrong—I’m taking nothing away from his jiu-jitsu game—but [stand-up]’s what people want to see.”
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