KJ Noons vs Charles Bennett 2 Set For June 26 StrikeforceIn a rematch three years in the making, final EliteXC Lightweight Champion “King” KJ Noons will look to avenge one of his two career losses when he battles Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett on June 26th. The second meeting between the hard-hitting strikers will be part of the main card of Strikeforce: “Fedor vs Werdum” at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

Bennett shocked the viewing audience when he knocked out Noons in the first round of their February 2007 bout at EliteXC: “Destiny,” but has since encountered problems both inside and outside of the cage.

Noons (8-2-0) rebounded from the upset loss to Bennett with a win over James Edson “Little Tiger” Berto in July of 2007. He later captured the EliteXC Lightweight Championship with a first-round doctor stoppage victory against current Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz and successfully defended his title in a brief bout with Yves Edwards before EliteXC folded. After taking time off to compete as a boxer, Noons returned to MMA in March and outstruck Andre “Dida” Amado to earn a decision win at Dream.13. He will make his Strikeforce debut on June 26th.

Bennett (22-16-2), known equally for his troubles with the law and for his knockout power inside the cage, has encountered a rocky road throughout his tumultuous career. The outspoken KOTC and PRIDE veteran has knocked out 14 opponents to date, but 12 of his losses have come by way of submission and Bennett has made no secret of his dislike for the ground game. Owing to jail time and other issues, Bennett has fought just six times in the last three years and sports a 3-3 record during that time. A second win over Noons is unlikely to turn Bennett’s life around, but could propel him back towards a shot at a major title.

Strikeforce: “Fedor vs Werdum” takes place on June 26th at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. The event is headlined by a heavyweight bout between “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko and Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum. Also, as first reported by MMARising.com, Strikeforce Women’s Middleweight (145-Pound) Champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos will defend against Jan “Cuddles” Finney.

 

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)