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MMA SUPERSTARS KJ NOONS & JOSH THOMSON TO APPEAR ON MMA LIVE ON ESPN2
TODAY/THURSDAY
WHO: Former World Champ & Devastating Striker KJ Noons
Former STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Belt-Holder Josh Thomson
WHERE: ESPN2
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 7, at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT
WHAT: Interview on MMA LIVE this Thursday on ESPN2
The STRIKEFORCE fighters will discuss this Saturday’s STRIKEFORCE: Diaz vs. Noons II event presented by Rockstar Energy Drink at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
In the main event of the world championship doubleheader, Noons will challenge STRIKEFORCE Welterweight Champ Nick Diaz for the 170-pound crown in a grudge rematch that has been brewing since their first fight ended in bloody controversy nearly three years ago.
Both Diaz (22-7), of Stockton, Calif., and Noons (9-1), of San Diego, Calif., have gone undefeated since their last meeting and bad blood between the brash fighters has only increased.
San Jose native Josh Thomson (17-3) will meet the world-ranked “JZ” Cavalcante (15-3-1), of Brazil, in a fight that could determine the next challenger for STRIKEFORCE World Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez. Thomson (17-3), who shut out Melendez across five rounds to capture the lightweight title in 2008, is coming off a hard-fought submission victory over Pat “Bam Bam’’ Healy last June 26 at HP Pavilion.
In the card’s second world championship bout, undefeated Sarah Kaufman (12-0) will defend her STRIKEFORCE Women’s Welterweight (135 pounds) World Title against No. 1 contender Marloes Coenen (17-4). Another featured fight will pit top prospects Tyron Woodley (8-0) and Andre Galvao (5-1) in a welterweight fight.
CONTACT:
STRIKEFORCE
Mike Afromowitz (917) 566-8754, mafromowitz@strikeforce.com
Brener Zwikel & Associates John Beyrooty (562) 233-7477, Johnnybey@aol.com
Matt Donovan (818) 462-5613, MattD@bzapr.com