Former Elite XC lightweight champion KJ Noons (8-2) is finally ready to make an impact in the Strikeforce lightweight division when he tries to avenge his loss to Charles Bennett (22-16-2) on the main card of the upcoming Strikeforce: "Fedor vs. Werdum" event slated for the HP Pavilion in San Jose on June 26.
Sherdog.com reported the planned match up on Wednesday.
Noons recently returned to mixed martial arts after more than a year when he took a unanimous decision from Andre Amado at DREAM 13 back in March.
It was his first bout since "retiring" from the sport in late 2008 after he was stripped of his 155-pound title for refusing to accept a rematch with Nick Diaz under the terms Elite XC was offering.
"King Karl" felt that his previous performance against Diaz (a first round technical knockout) and his lone title defense -- a first round technical knockout victory over Yves Edwards in June of 2008 -- was enough to at least earn himself a bigger paycheck than Diaz in the rematch.
The promotion, however, apparently disagreed, causing a big mess and ultimately leading to Noons being forced to relinquish his title.
The ex-boxer then decided to make an attempt to return to his roots inside the ring, but a disappointing decision loss to James Countryman earlier this year threw a wrench into those plans. The City Boxing product did manage to put together a solid record of 4-1 as a pugilist, but he likely wasn't going to be winning a world title anytime soon.
That may not be the case in Strikeforce -- unless of course Bennett has anything to say about it.
"Krazy Horse" is the last person to defeat "KJ," knocking him into next week at Elite XC: "Destiny" in February 2007. He's been 4-3 since the Noons victory and is coming of a knockout loss to Bobby Green at King of the Cage in December 2009.
Unfortunately with Bennett, he gets more attention for his exploits outside of the cage than inside it. The controversial fighter ran afoul of the law once again when he was arrested for felony aggravated battery earlier this year.
It was just the latest transgression for the same man who claims to have knocked out Wanderlei Silva backstage at a Pride FC New Year's Eve show in 2005.
He was convicted in Marion County, Fla., for possession and sale of cocaine on August 4, 2000. He was also arrested on charges of assault and false imprisonment in May 2007 and then on charges stemming from a "domestic dispute" in January 2008.
To check out a video montage of his past mug shots click here -- it's rather ridiculous.
Nevertheless, he can make his notoriety work in his favor when it counts the most -- against Noons when they hook 'em up for a second time in San Jose.
The June 26 event is set to air at 10 p.m. ET live on Showtime and will feature Fedor Emelianenko taking on grappling wizard Fabricio Werdum in the main event. Current Strikeforce Women's Champion Cristian 'Cyborg' Santos will also be in action against Jan "Cuddles" Finney.
For more on Strikeforce: "Fedor vs. Werdum" click here.
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