Strikeforce Lightweight bout: KJ Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal
Odds: ( -165 Noons /+135 Masvidal )
Betting Pick: Noons
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In a featured Lightweight bout, skilled boxer K.J. Noons takes on long-time veteran Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal. Masvidal has a ton of experience and a well-rounded game, but Noons has some of the most technical and effective boxing at 155 pounds and very good defensive wrestling, so this should be a very competitive fight.
Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal is a very tough veteran with a well-rounded offensive skill set. His striking is technically sound and he has some knockout power to go along with effective wrestling and very good defense. He is notoriously difficult to finish and while he isn’t dominant at any one thing, he is versatile and puts his skills together very well. Against Noons he is going to need to try and work his ground game more than usual, because Noons has the kind of striking that it would be unwise for him to stand in front of.
K.J. Noons is an extremely slick and effective striker who has some professional boxing experience under his belt. On the feet he is fast and accurate, has a surplus of punching power, and can hurt guys with punches, kicks, and knees. Noons is one of the few fighters with a win over Strikeforce Welterweight champion Nick Diaz under his belt, and he did it giving up a substantial size and weight advantage. He will enjoy a clear edge in the striking against Masvidal, so as long as he focuses on keeping this fight upright he will be in a good position to get a win.
I think Masvidal is in for a rough night. Noons is clearly the more proficient striker, both technically and in terms of punching power, and Masvidal lacks the dominant takedowns he would need to keep Noons from lambasting him on the feet. I think Noons will pick Masvidal apart with his faster, more accurate striking and eventually score the T/KO win.
Prediction: KJ Noons via second round T/KO.
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