Exclusive K.J. Noons interview

K.J. Noons is the former lightweight champion of EliteXC.

Since his falling out in that organization Noons' has been absent from MMA, instead engaging in boxing. 

Noons took some time to answer some questions regarding his contract situation, future in MMA and Nick Diaz. 

WatchKalibRun: Let's start off with your current contract status. Are you currently a free agent?

K.J. Noons: Yes I am a free agent.

WKR: Were you one of the victims of EliteXC's ‘zombie' contracts?

K.J.: No, I was a free agent before Elite XC had failed.

WKR: Is Mark Dion still your manager?

K.J.: No, me and Mark had differences and have just got through with legal paperwork and he is not my manager as of couple days ago. We ended on good terms and I'm starting to move forword with my career.

WKR: Have you been in contact with Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker?

K.J.: Scott and I have been talking the past few days. I used to fight on Scott's fight cards in San Jose 10 years ago, so I've known him a long time.

WKR: Shifting gears, recently you said that you were coming back to MMA. Why the shift from MMA, to boxing, back to MMA?

K.J.: I never said I was giving up MMA, I just enjoy competing in both sports, I boxed since I was a kid and just love to box. I love MMA also, I just going back and forth.

WKR: Why did you turn down a title fight against Strikeforce lightweight champion Josh Thomson?

K.J.: I had already committed to some boxing fights. So when the boxing fights are over, that would be a very exciting fight I think because Josh is a good fighter.

WKR: Do you regret that decision?

K.J.: No, I feel I am young in MMA, and I had committed to some boxing fights and know that offer would still be on the table after I am done with the boxing fights.

WKR: Do you want to fight Nick Diaz again?

K.J.: There is some bad blood, drama, and history between us, so I think people would want to see it again. I'm down for it.

WKR: With Diaz's status within Strikeforce, would you be willing to take another fight before facing Diaz?

K.J.: It doesn't matter to me, whenever I have a date for a fight, I'm going to train hard and make sure I come ready to fight and give the people a great fight and what they paid to see.

WKR: Is there a particular opponent, besides Diaz, that you would like to fight?

K.J.: I want to fight anybody that people think is an interesting fight. I don't mind going up or down in weight. I'll train hard and fight hard for the fans.

WKR: Some cynics are not sure how serious or dedicated you are to Mixed Martial Arts. Would you care to answer the critics?

K.J.: I love both sports. Whichever one I'm getting ready for I'll train hard and give a good fight.

WKR: You are both a boxer and an MMA fighter. In your opinion what is the biggest difference between the two sports?

K.J.: Boxing is the sweet science, and MMA you have to train for so many disciplines and be ready for a lot more things to be thrown at you.

WKR: The biggest similarity?

K.J.: Still get hit in the face.

WKR: I would be remise if I didn't ask you about your time with ProElite.

K.J.: It had it's ups and downs. I like all the people there, just had difference in opinions.

WKR: How would you describe your time fighting for ProElite and EliteXC?

K.J.: I enjoyed it and had some great fights. there were just some differences in the end.

WKR: In a recent interview you mentioned that fans don't always understand what goes into a contract dispute. With your history at EliteXC a lot was said regarding your contract and the subsequent fallout. Is there anything else you would like to add to the official record?

K.J.: I am very fortunate to be doing something I love and get paid for it. I stood up for something I believed in and stood by it.

WKR: What are your thoughts about the possible Shaw Family reality show?

K.J.: Should be interesting.

WKR: Thanks for your time K.J.