KJ Noons expects Diaz rubber match, catchweight with Daley, next fight with Billy Evangelista

KJ Noons, on the mend after sustaining a broken left hand in his rematch with Nick Diaz, expects to return to the cage in April against undefeated American Kickboxing Academy product Billy Evangelista. Speaking with MMAFA.tv, Noons reflects on his loss to Nick Diaz.

“I’m sure [Diaz] and I will fight again. Everyone wanted the rematch and it was voted Strikeforce’s most exciting fight of the year out of twenty some-odd shows. There are changes I could have made, but to be honest me and my corner thought it was two rounds a piece going into the final so I didn’t change it up. I fought at a weight class I’ve never fought at before and I did great. I moved forward the whole time, threw and landed more punches. I think the rubber match will definitely happen.”

Noons was recently called out by Strikeforce welterweight Paul Daley following an impressive knockout of Scott Smith. Words were exchanged between both fighters in the press and accusations of ducking the match-up were waged against Noons. Not only does Noons claim to be open to the fight, but he expects it. There are conditions, however.

“Paul is a great, exciting fighter and I think he’ll fight for the 170 lbs. world title soon. He deserves it. Am I afraid to fight anybody at any weight class? No, because I am a fighter, but my real weight class is lightweight. I only fought Diaz at 170 lbs. because we have history. I am not scared of Paul and I am definitely interested in the fight, but he would have to come down or meet at a catch-weight. In fact, I think we are going to make that fight in the future.”

As of right now, Noons’ sights are set on a fight with lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melendez at his natural weight of 155 pounds. Noons claims this was his goal prior to the Diaz fight but he made an exception given the pair’s history.  

“Gilbert is another great fighter. He’s the world champ and we all know his game is wrestling and ground and pound. That’s not necessarily my weak point, but I like to stand where I have the advantage. I think I match up well with Gil and that’s the fight I want.”

You can follow Jon on twitter here.