EliteXC: KJ Noons spurns Nick Diaz rematch and is in talks to fight Yves Edwards (Update)
by James Iannotti on Feb 20, 2008 9:27 AM EST
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Update: KJ Noons and Yves Edwards will indeed fight for the EliteXC lightweight title on April 26 in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to AmericanTopTeam.com.
EliteXC Lightweight Champion KJ Noons has made a decision to not grant Nick Diaz an immediate rematch and is in talks to take on Yves Edwards in his first title defense sometime later this year.
No date, venue or event was provided to MMAmania.com regarding the potential championship showdown between Noons and Edwards.
The first-ever EliteXC lightweight championship fight between Noons and Diaz ended in controversy last November at EliteXC: "Renegade." Noons was victorious when the fight was stopped following the first round because of cuts near Diaz' eyes. The ringside doctor assessed the damage and ruled that Diaz unable to continue in his bloody condition.
We've all seen Diaz get cut before. Let's face it, he's a "bleeder." But this was the first time he lost a fight because of it and it was a championship bout nonetheless. The result led Diaz to opt for plastic surgery to fix the scar tissue around his eyes.
Here's a snip from Diaz's training partner, Kit Cope, back in November:
"We're going to get his eyes fixed up. There's something they can do to actually fix the scars that makes them a lot smaller. [Stile is] going to have him fixed up so he doesn't split open so easy. We're going to go ahead and do that, have another warm-up fight and then come back and snag the title back that belongs to him."
It looks as though thats exactly what's going to happen for Diaz. His warm-up fight appears to be Muhsin Corbbrey, and then -- with a win -- he may get another title shot.
That of course could be against the winner of the scrap between Noons and Edwards if it is eventually booked.
Edwards is certainly deserving of a shot at the gold with his recent success in the cage and his decorated past. He looked great on this past Saturday against Edson Berto, knocking him out in the first round with an amazing one-legged knee to the grill.
Since joining American Top Team Edwards is undefeated (3-0) and recharged. He may even be a favorite against the champ if the fight does indeed happen.
Make no mistake: Diaz does deserve a rematch with Noons. He is arguably the best overall fighter in the organization. His hit list is certainly the most impressive with wins over current middleweight champ, Robbie Lawler, as well as the man who will challenge for the welterweight title in March, Drew Fickett.
And let's not forget his electrifying win, which was later ruled a no contest, over the top lightweight in the world, Takanori Gomi.
No disrespect to Edwards because he's proven himself in this sport, but after the way Diaz lost to Noons it would have been nice to see an instant rematch.
Of course, cuts are part of the sport and they do happen. But if ever there were grounds for a rematch it's when a fight has to end because of a cut ... especially a title fight. In fact, the brawl between Diaz and Noons looked like it was going to be an absolute war before it was stopped.
A lot of people had Noons ahead on the scorecard. But anyone who has ever seen a Diaz fight knows you can never count him out. Especially after only one round in a five round title fight.
We all know Diaz can go for days -- he competes in triathlons when he is not fighting. His cardio is on another level. It's not far fetched to say he would have eventually wore Noons down and worked his black belt jiu jitsu knowledge to submit the inexperienced ground fighter.
Regardless, Noons and Diaz will meet up again some time soon. Exactly when all depends on what Edwards can do in the cage if given the opportunity to challenge the champion and if Diaz can get back on the winning track.
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so in other words Noons knew he got lucky and wants to at least get one successful title defense under his belt before losing it.
by kitsunex on Feb 20, 2008 9:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Diaz better lay off them tweeds and come back and crush this guy!! Box him until he gets tired then finish him wit his bjj skills. boom.. its automatic
by kama kaze on Feb 20, 2008 10:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure he got lucky, he has great boxing and was winning the fight until it was stopped. That said, Diaz probably would have still pulled it out, so I understand where you’re coming from.
I wouldn’t be so sure he’ll get a successful title defense against Edwards – he could lose that fight easily!
by TonyDrip on Feb 20, 2008 10:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
so in other words Noons knew he got lucky and wants to at least get one successful title defense under his belt before losing it.
LOL… seems like that. On the other hand, I can understand him being like “fuck that” I just beat this guy for the title why am i gonna give him the very next chance to win it back??
At the end of the day, you have to inflict enough damage on your opponent to cause a fight stopping cut, so it’s not a nothing win, he still beat Diaz.
…But i feel…Diaz will be champ sooner or later…
by ToeLock on Feb 20, 2008 10:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
This is crap. I guess EliteXC lets their champs pick their matches. They probobly let Kimbo do the same. Diaz would have out-gassed Noons and won and Noons knows it. I mean, why wouldn’t he be afraid to fight Diaz? Yeah Diaz was getting worked a little, but look at the Gomi fight. His face was tore up and still submitted the supposed number 1 lightweight in the world. Noons knows if he fights Diaz again he will lose his strap, he just doesnt want to lose it so quickly. Noons, youre just the interim champ. Everyone knows you will not keep the strap more than a year and a half, and thats oly if he takes long gaps between his fights. I mean, this is the guy that got knocked out by, in my opinion, one of the worst, unskilled lightweights out there- Crazy Horse Bennett. As for EliteXC, good job on letting your fighters tell you who they will fight.
by the_mexicutioner on Feb 20, 2008 10:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nick Diaz deserves an instant rematch – the title fight ended due to a cut. In thier fight, KJ was owning the standup and nearly KO’d Diaz (who has never been KO’d before). I also believe that if they fight were to have continued that Nick still would have had the advantage. As long as he didn’t get KO’d, he would have pulled guard and gotten a submission win. In his two EliteXC fights, Diaz’s standup actually looks like it got worse than when he left the UFC.
I am really looking forward to Nate Diaz’s next fight because he currently looks like the most promising Diaz for the future.
by ViolentMike on Feb 20, 2008 10:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Diaz brothers are both tremendous fighters. I just don’t care for them. Go Edwards!!! American Top Team has been a huge help. They had quite a few victories down in Florida at the Elite XC show. I’ve always enjoyed watch Edwards fight. Nick too…but I also ALWAYS root for Diaz’s opponett anyway.
by The 518 Playa on Feb 20, 2008 10:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nick Diaz deserves an instant rematch – the title fight ended due to a cut. In thier fight, KJ was owning the standup and nearly KO’d Diaz (who has never been KO’d before). I also believe that if they fight were to have continued that Nick still would have had the advantage. As long as he didn’t get KO’d, he would have pulled guard and gotten a submission win. In his two EliteXC fights, Diaz’s standup actually looks like it got worse than when he left the UFC.
I am really looking forward to Nate Diaz’s next fight because he currently looks like the most promising Diaz for the future.
Dude… Nick finished Gomi with a gogo.. who else does that?!.. Gomi is “supposed” to be top3 lw. he was saying in an interview that sometimes it takes the marque fighters to motivate him more. But yea. I agree he does deserve an instant rematch for the cut though. He was walking around all fresh. Shoot. They let Joe Stevenson continue and his was gushing.
by kama kaze on Feb 20, 2008 10:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dude… Nick finished Gomi with a gogo.. who else does that?!.. Gomi is “supposed” to be top3 lw. he was saying in an interview that sometimes it takes the marque fighters to motivate him more. But yea. I agree he does deserve an instant rematch for the cut though. He was walking around all fresh. Shoot. They let Joe Stevenson continue and his was gushing.
They end fights based on the location of the cut. Joes was on the top of his forehead and Nicks were on his eyelids.
by JRV on Feb 20, 2008 11:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dude, Diaz vs Edwards belt fight seems to be in the future. That would definitely be the highest profile and best fight for EliteXC yet. I really hope it all works out.
by EazyEismydad on Feb 20, 2008 11:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t catch their first fight so I can’t base any opinion on it. But since when does a champion get to pick and choose their opponents? You’re supposed to fight who you’re told to fight, and normally that’s the top contender. To turn down that contender seems a little wimpy.
by chefdaddy on Feb 20, 2008 11:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dude… Nick finished Gomi with a gogo.. who else does that?!.. Gomi is “supposed” to be top3 lw. he was saying in an interview that sometimes it takes the marque fighters to motivate him more. But yea. I agree he does deserve an instant rematch for the cut though. He was walking around all fresh. Shoot. They let Joe Stevenson continue and his was gushing.
The Gomi fight was one of my favorite fights of all time! The Diaz’s are my favorite 155-160 lb fighters. Nate seems to have more of a solid head on his shoulders. Nick will stand there and trade with anyone, even when he’s getting knocked around. On the other hand, Nate will look for the win at every moment, meaning if his opponent is getting the better of him standing, the fight will go to the ground so he can look for a submission. Just look at the Mike Aina/Nick Diaz fight. Nick SHOULD have been taking him down or pulling guard.
by ViolentMike on Feb 20, 2008 11:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
nick diaz this time around will stomp his ass… kj is scared… common kj battle with diaz.. sissy
by PATRICK on Feb 20, 2008 11:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nick Diaz deserves an instant rematch – the title fight ended due to a cut. In thier fight, KJ was owning the standup and nearly KO’d Diaz (who has never been KO’d before). I also believe that if they fight were to have continued that Nick still would have had the advantage. As long as he didn’t get KO’d, he would have pulled guard and gotten a submission win. In his two EliteXC fights, Diaz’s standup actually looks like it got worse than when he left the UFC.
I am really looking forward to Nate Diaz’s next fight because he currently looks like the most promising Diaz for the future.
Where the hell have u been?
As for Diaz, he will win the title sooner or later. I remember hearing something about EliteXc creating a 160 lb division tailor made for Diaz…what ever happened to that?
by john on Feb 20, 2008 11:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
As for Diaz, he will win the title sooner or later. I remember hearing something about EliteXc creating a 160 lb division tailor made for Diaz…what ever happened to that?
I’m a little confused. I thought for whatever reason, the lightweight division in EliteXC was 160lbs. I know it’s 155lbs everywhere else. Can somebody clarify?
by The 518 Playa on Feb 20, 2008 11:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m a little confused. I thought for whatever reason, the lightweight division in EliteXC was 160lbs. I know it’s 155lbs everywhere else. Can somebody clarify?
It may already be 160 lbs…i am not sure..I am confused myself!
ViolentMike: I hope u are aware of the Nate Diaz vs. Pellegrino fight
by john on Feb 20, 2008 11:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t really matter how the fight was ended or if Diaz deserves a title shot or not. If you lose a title fight, you shouldn’t get an instant rematch, period.
by Toms Bombs on Feb 20, 2008 12:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
ViolentMike: I hope u are aware of the Nate Diaz vs. Pellegrino fight
Monday was the wife’s birthday so I took a long weekend… I am still going through the older news from the weekend, and I did see Nate Diaz vs Kurt Pellegrino. THAT IS GOING TO BE A FIGHT! Kurt won over a lot of fans in his last fight against Alberto Crane where he had a gaping whole in his lower lip – that was sick! Which makes me curious to see who the crowd favorite will be? Will it be the reality tv show winner, which happens to be a Diaz Brother (the Diaz’s really have a niche fan base. You either hate them or you love them) or the crowd pleasing Kurt Pellegrino? Both of these guys will be looking to finish the fight and have excellent ground skills along with good standup. That almost always makes for an exciting fight with many scrambles.
by ViolentMike on Feb 20, 2008 12:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ok Nick may deserve a title shot but dont toss this proposed fight out. I love to watch Edwards fight and I think he can take Noons out. The fight should be great to watch and the winner should get Diaz. If Edwards wins a fight with Diaz would be great and if Noons wins you get the rematch. I am sure Diaz and Noons will matchup again soon it just depends if its for the title or not or who has the title.
by Northern Lights on Feb 20, 2008 12:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Monday was the wife’s birthday so I took a long weekend… I am still going through the older news from the weekend, and I did see Nate Diaz vs Kurt Pellegrino. THAT IS GOING TO BE A FIGHT! Kurt won over a lot of fans in his last fight against Alberto Crane where he had a gaping whole in his lower lip – that was sick! Which makes me curious to see who the crowd favorite will be? Will it be the reality tv show winner, which happens to be a Diaz Brother (the Diaz’s really have a niche fan base. You either hate them or you love them) or the crowd pleasing Kurt Pellegrino? Both of these guys will be looking to finish the fight and have excellent ground skills along with good standup. That almost always makes for an exciting fight with many scrambles.
How about spike extending the broadcast to 3 hours? April 2nd will be a great night.
by john on Feb 20, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dude… Nick finished Gomi with a gogo.. who else does that?!.. Gomi is “supposed” to be top3 lw. he was saying in an interview that sometimes it takes the marque fighters to motivate him more. But yea. I agree he does deserve an instant rematch for the cut though. He was walking around all fresh. Shoot. “They” let Joe Stevenson continue and his was gushing.
The “they” you speak of isnt the same people (UFC and EliteXC) and Joe’s was not impairing his vision whatsoever.
by The Anomaly on Feb 20, 2008 1:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
How can Nick snag back the title that belonged to him when it never belonged to him in the first place.
I am a big fan of Nick but he needs to start performing he looked awful in his last two fights.
by dia mette on Feb 20, 2008 4:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
im a huge nick diaz fan and he has no right to have a rematch right now.. other people deserve a crack at the title, its not fair to noons the champion. Diaz should have to win atleast one fight to get a title shot, they shouldnt just hand it to him.
by longislandguy on Feb 20, 2008 7:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I like Diaz in a rematch but the smart thing for Noons to do is avoid him for a year or 2 just to get him to chill out cause Diaz is going to destroy him at this point. Noons will lose cause Diaz wants to prove a point.
by mikeybear on Feb 26, 2008 5:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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