K.J. Noons has the potential to become a dark horse within the UFC’s lightweight division. A group that can be considered the toughest division in the sport has a long list of potential contenders. Noons will not be found on any of the “major” top-10 lists within the sport, but that does not mean he should be overlooked in any fashion.
At 32 years of age, it is hard to say that Noons is “done” or past his prime. The only man to ever hold the Elite XC lightweight title has gone 2-1 since moving over to the UFC, but that does not negate the past few performances he has given the fight community.
Yet his upcoming fight against Daron Cruickshank at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale has the potential to quickly change that diatribe.
Cruickshank versus Noons is one of those bouts that places two unranked men against each other but has the potential to steal the show. As Mike Wellman of Bleacher Report stated, “The two are both known for their knockout power, and this fight should bring the violence.”
That knockout power is one of the reasons Noons should not be forgotten within this weight class. Nine of his 13 wins have come via KO finish. The way he stopped Sam Stout at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Kennedy was a sudden reminder of what he brings into the Octagon. Noons has an 11-2 professional boxing record to lean upon when promoting his ability to finish his opponents via knockout.
The current UFC rankings have Noons and Cruickshank outside of the top 15 in the division. If one of them can pull off a big win on Friday, it could open the victor up to major fights within the division.
Noons would be able to leverage a victory into potential matchups where his skills can be showcased. Fights against opponents such as Bobby Green, Michael Johnson and even a rematch with Jorge Masvidal would be captivating fights for Noons. These are the types of opponents who do not shy away from exchanges, where Noons excels, while having the name value to push K.J. up the rankings.
However, the question then lies as to whether or not Noons would have the ability to defeat men within the upper echelon of the division. The lightweight division is deep with men who are excellent at securing takedowns when that is the best method for victory. Noons has struggled against men who can take him down, and this is what awaits him if he was to break into the top half of the 155-pound rankings.
K.J. Noons has had his high points in mixed martial arts. The rivalry with Nick Diaz stands out as an example that he can carry his weight in the limelight. This Friday’s fight against Cruickshank has the potential to set off another run for Noons. At this point in his career, it will be interesting to see if he can put together another string of wins that will once again place his name on the marquee.
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