Filed under: Strikeforce, News
Jorge Masvidal earned one of the biggest wins of his mixed martial arts career on Saturday, dominating KJ Noons for three rounds and winning a one-sided unanimous decision.
It was a big-time showing for Masvidal, who won 30-27 on all three judges’ cards.
“KJ was more aggressive — he made more openings happen,” Masvidal said afterward. “He’s a good striker but I’m a bad style for him. I’m a good counter-fighter and I feel just fine striking with him.”
The first round included plenty of effective strikes from both men, but Masvidal was more effective,first opening up a big cut on Noons’ forehead and then knocking Noons down with a big right head kick and pummeling him on the ground in the final minute of the round. Masvidal clearly won the round, and it could have been scored 10-8 in his favor.
After two minutes of brawling at the start of the second round, Masvidal took Noons down and pounded on him on the ground. When they got back to their feet Masvidal continued to get the better of the exchanges, and although Noons stayed active, he wasn’t able to hang with Masvidal.
By the third it was clear that there was nothing Noons could do, and Masvidal just had his way with his lesser opponent. Noons deserves credit for continuing to fight for the end, but this one was all Masvidal.
Masvidal’s record improves to 22-6, and he might get a shot at Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez next.