KJ Noons and Nick Diaz. Photo: Esther Lin
This Saturday in San Jose, California, a team of MMA aces will invade Strikeforce.
Worth the welterweight title belt, Jiu-Jitsu black belt and current champion Nick Diaz faces off with KJ Noons in a rematch bound to make sparks fly. Diaz lost to Noons in October 2007 at the now-defunct EliteXC promotion. The loss, the last on his record, came by way of doctor’s intervention.
“I feel good and making weight went almost perfectly. I’ve been mad about it for a long time (because of the first fight). I didn’t like the way it ended. I never considered the first fight a loss. I always saw it as a fight that was stopped prematurely. I don’t feel that now is a chance for revenge, but I’m happy to fight,” says Diaz.
“I love fighting and love my work. I trained really hard and I’m excited about Saturday. It’s a fight the fans want to see. I respect Nick as a fighter, I like to watch him fight, but I really am ready to face the best in the division. In the first fight I went after Nick because he never backs down. But I’ve been working on all aspects of my game. I’m certain that at some point he’s going to try and take me down, but I’m ready for anything,” says Noons in response.
JZ and Thomson. Photo: Esther Lin
Another big-name to see action is Gesias Cavalcante. The ATT representative was for a time one of the best lightweights on the planet, a two-time K-1 Hero’s GP winner. This Saturday, JZ will have Josh Thomson across the cage from him.
“It will be an excellent fight and I’m really anxious to make my Strikeforce debut. I like being in fights the fans want to see and talk about. It’s my chance to make a name for myself in the United States. I spent some time out due to injury, but I worked really hard with my teammates, who helped me get back into the game. But there’s nothing like a real fight,” he says.
Thomson promises to make things rough for the Brazilian:
“I have to beat him everywhere, there’s no way around it. JZ fought some of the best in the world. He’s probably the biggest and toughest I’ve ever faced, so I know I have to put it all on the line and see what happens,” he remarks.
Galvão and undefeated Woodley. Photo: Esther Lin
André Galvão will be making his third appearance for the promotion, against Tyron Woodley. The black belt will have an undefeated fighter ahead of him (8w). Galvão guarantees he knows how to subdue his opponent.
“Tyron is a really tough fighter, a top wrestler who has fought three times in Strikeforce. I’m excited and I have a good game plan. I’m ready.
Another promising fight on the card is the welterweight female matchup between Sarah Kaufman and Marloes Coenen.
Check out the complete card.
Strikeforce
San Jose, California, USA
October 9, 2010
Champ Nick Diaz vs. K.J. Noons
Champ Sarah Kaufman vs. Marloes Coenen
Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante vs. Josh Thomson
Andre Galvao vs. Tyron Woodley
Bret Bergmark vs. James Terry
Ron Keslar vs. Josh McDonald
Jess Bouscal vs. Luis Mendoza
