Jorge Masvidal Ready for the Next Challenger, Could It Be K.J. Noons?

Jorge Masvidal wanted to make a statement when he signed with Strikeforce and entered their lightweight division. He took a big step forward by beating previously undefeated contender Billy Evangelista last Saturday night.

Masvidal now throws his name in the hat among a short list of potential contenders to get a shot at the winner of the upcoming fight between champion Gilbert Melendez and challenger Tatsuya Kawajiri.

“I know Billy had like 6 or 7 straight wins in Strikeforce, so he’s definitely got to be up there. If I can’t fight for the title, then the next toughest guy out there, I’d like to fight them,” Masvidal said about his place in the lightweight division.

One name that has circulated as a possible next opponent for Masvidal is former Elite XC lightweight champion K.J. Noons. While Strikeforce has yet to confirm his placement on the card, Noons has stated he expects to fight on April 9 in San Diego.

Masvidal is healthy and ready to go following his fight against Evangelista, and if Strikeforce makes the call, he’ll be happy to fight Noons in April.

“I feel good, I’ll fight K.J. right now,” Masvidal stated.

Strikeforce officials told MMAWeekly.com on Saturday that Noons could end up on the card in April, especially because of his fan following in San Diego, the primary area he trains out of. As far as Masvidal’s participation, nothing is ruled out at this point.

Masvidal is pretty much ready to fight whoever Strikeforce puts in front of him.

“I don’t got an idea, but hopefully I’ll find out soon enough,” Masvidal commented.

For now he’ll wait for the call from Strikeforce, and if he’s not already competing on the April 9 card, Masvidal will surely be watching with a new level of interest as he guns for the top lightweights in the promotion.