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K.J. Noons

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Karl James Noons (born December 7, 1982) is a retired American professional mixed martial artist, as well as a former professional boxer and kickboxer. Noons competed for UFC, Strikeforce, DREAM and EliteXC. He is the former EliteXC Lightweight Champion and runner up for the StrikeForce title.

K.J. Noons
BornKarl James Noons
(1982-12-07) December 7, 1982 (age 41)
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, U.S.
Other namesKing
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight168 lb (76 kg; 12 st 0 lb)
DivisionLightweight
Welterweight
Middleweight
Reach72 in (180 cm)[1]
StyleBoxing, Kickboxing, Sanda
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofSan Diego, California, United States
TeamAlliance MMA
City Boxing[2]
RankBlack belt in Kenpō Karate under Ed Parker[3]
Years active2000–2016
Professional boxing record
Total13
Wins11
By knockout5
Losses2
Kickboxing record
Total14
Wins12
By knockout9
Losses2
Mixed martial arts record
Total23
Wins13
By knockout9
By decision4
Losses9
By knockout1
By submission2
By decision6
No contests1
Other information
SpouseMelany (2011–present)
ChildrenKarl James Jr. (b. 2012)
Notable school(s)Clements High School
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
K.J. Noons
Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's Karate
Long Beach International Karate Championships
Gold medal – first place 1997 17 and under Kenpō (Black)

Background

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KJ Noons is hapa—mixed ethnicity of native Hawaiian (from his mother's side) and European-American (from his father's side).[4] Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Noons comes from a family history of fighting. His father Karl was a professional kickboxer and was a top contender during the time he fought. Karl's passion for fighting and competing in combat sports influenced him to introduce his son to martial arts at a young age. At the age of five, Noons started training in martial arts. Often getting disqualified for fighting too hard in karate tournaments, Noons eventually started training in boxing and Muay Thai at the age of eight out of interest for full contact fighting.[3] Noons competed as an amateur fighter and became the first student in the state of Hawaii to earn a junior black belt under Ed Parker at the age of 11. During his high school years, Noons moved to Houston, Texas, due to the location of his father's job. While continuing to compete as a fighter, he also started playing football at Clements High School. At age 17, Noons won the ISKA Super Middleweight International Championship as an amateur in Sanshou. After winning the title and graduating from Clements High School, K.J. decided to pursue a career in combat sports, rather than go to college and continue with football.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

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PRIDE, ICON Sport, and SuperBrawl

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In 2005, Noons won the PRIDE Fighting Championship's "Best Striker" auditions. Although, he never fought for the promotion, he fought for PRIDE's subleased promotion called SuperBrawl. Noons chose not to fight for PRIDE Fighting Championships because the promoters wanted to feature him in bouts against the top lightweights in the world, such as PRIDE's reigning Lightweight Champion, Takanori Gomi, and top contender, Joachim Hansen. Noons felt he was not ready to compete at the highest level that early in his career and chose a more conservative route. After three combined wins under the ICON Sport and SuperBrawl banner, Noons would move on to compete in bigger promotions.[5]

Elite Xtreme Combat

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In 2006, Noons signed a deal with promoter Gary Shaw that allowed him to participate in both boxing and mixed martial arts. Soon after, Noons was set to face former PRIDE veteran Charles Bennett in EliteXC's inaugural event in February 2007. Bennett won the bout via KO three minutes and forty-three seconds into round one, giving Noons only the second loss of his professional mixed martial arts career.

Noons rebounded from his loss to Bennett with a KO win over James Edson Berto at EliteXC's first ShoXC event. He then faced Nick Diaz for the promotion's first ever lightweight championship at EliteXC: Renegade. Noons dominated the fight using his outstanding boxing and striking against the Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert. Diaz attempted to take the fight to the ground but was unsuccessful with his takedown attempts and was also countered with a knee strike to the face on one occasion. Midway through the first round, Diaz was finally successful with a take down, but Noons got back to his feet instantly. Moments later, the referee would halt the fight and send Diaz to his corner to check on his cuts over his right eye. Diaz was given the o.k. and continued to fight. Noons would keep the fight standing and dropped Diaz with a straight right punch around the 2:07 mark of the round. After round one ended, the doctors in Diaz's corner stopped the fight due to how badly his face was cut. Noons was then declared the winner of the fight by way of TKO due to cuts, and would become the new EliteXC Lightweight Champion.

On June 14, 2008, Noons was successful in his first and only title defense with a TKO win over Yves Edwards in Hawaii at EliteXC: Return of the King.[6] Following the fight, Nick Diaz, who fought on the event's co-main event, stepped into the cage to confront Noons for a rematch during K.J.'s post-fight interview with Bill Goldberg. After Noons asked the fans if Diaz deserved the rematch, Diaz grabbed a hold of Goldberg's microphone and said "Don't be scared homie", which resulted in an in-cage brawl.[7] About two months later, Noons would be stripped of the title for refusing to rematch with Diaz.[8] The promotion would then go defunct before a new champion could be crowned.

Strikeforce and DREAM

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On December 2, 2009, Noons signed with mixed martial arts promotion, Strikeforce.[9] While Noons was still competing in professional kickboxing as a teenager, he previously fought for Strikeforce on their kickboxing fight cards before Strikeforce became a mixed martial arts promotion in 2006.[10]

In March 2010, Noons made his Japanese debut as he represented Strikeforce at DREAM 13. In his first MMA fight in nearly two years, Noons defeated Andre Amade via unanimous decision. Noons was the aggressor for the duration of the fight, and was visibly frustrated with Amade's uncharacteristically tentative fighting style throughout the fight, which seemed to be based on a counter punching technique.

Noons was set to make his Strikeforce debut against undefeated prospect Billy Evangelista at Strikeforce: Miami, but the fight was withdrawn after Evangelista suffered an undisclosed injury during training.[11]

Noons would then be scheduled to compete in a rematch against Charles Bennett at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum.[12] After Bennett pulled out of the fight due to scheduling conflicts, Noons was rescheduled to face Conor Heun at Strikeforce: Los Angeles in a catchweight bout of 160 pounds, which would take place ten days before the date he was originally set to rematch Bennett.[13] Noons would go on to win a closely contested fight by split decision.

Noons next faced Jorge Gurgel on August 21, 2010, at Strikeforce: Houston. At the weigh-ins, the day before the bout with Gurgel, Noons weighed in at 156.25 pounds, a quarter of a pound over the maximum weight limit. Gurgel accepted the fight and waived off the extra weight, so the fight was continued as a lightweight bout.[14] As the final seconds of the first round were coming to an end, Gurgel threw a flurry of punches while Noons responded with a left hook that landed and dropped Gurgel just a split second after the bell sounded at the end of the round. The crowd reacted to what appeared to be a late punch while a wobbled Gurgel was struggling to find his corner. Right at the opening bell for round two, Noons landed a right hand followed by a left hook that dropped Gurgel to the canvas once again. Noons looked to the referee expecting a stoppage and received no response. As Noons then continued to land punches on Gurgel, he threw a knee that appeared to land to the head of a still downed opponent, finally prompting the referee to stop the fight. Replay showed that the knee Noons threw did not land, although Noons's foot tapped Gurgel on the chin as it followed through. Noons was declared the winner by TKO at 0:19 of round two.

Noons moved up one weight class to fight Nick Diaz in a grudge rematch for the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship on October 9, 2010. Noons and Diaz previously fought at EliteXC: Renegade where Noons won by TKO due to cuts.[15] Noons lost by unanimous decision (48–47, 49–47, 49–46), giving Noons his third career loss and first loss by decision, and beginning a losing streak for years to come. After the fight Noons revealed that he had sustained a broken jaw in the first round and a broken hand in the second.[16]

Noons faced Jorge Masvidal at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum.[17] Noons-Masvidal was set as a lightweight title eliminator, which would grant the winner of the bout a title shot against reigning Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, Gilbert Melendez. Originally headlining the preliminary card on HDNet, the bout was promoted to the Showtime portion of the main card after women's MMA superstar, Gina Carano, was pulled from the card. Noons went on to lose a unanimous decision.[18]

Noons then faced Billy Evangelista at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal in December 2011.[19] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Noons next faced Josh Thomson in the co-main event at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey in March 2012.[20] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Noons returned to face Ryan Couture at the final Strikeforce event, Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine, on January 12, 2013. Noons lost the fight via highly controversial split decision. All but one media outlet scored the fight for Noons,[21] with a majority giving him every round. Couture admitted to being surprised by the verdict.[22] Despite the loss, Noons still moved over to the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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In January 2013, the Strikeforce organization was closed by its parent company Zuffa. A list of fighters scheduled to be brought over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship was released in mid-January and Noons was one of the fighters listed.[23]

In his UFC debut, Noons faced Donald Cerrone on May 25, 2013, at UFC 160.[24] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In his second UFC fight, Noons faced George Sotiropoulos on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166.[25] He won via unanimous decision, earning his first win under the UFC banner.

Noons faced Sam Stout in a welterweight bout on April 16, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale.[26][27] Noons won the fight via knockout in the first round, earning him his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[28]

Noons next faced Daron Cruickshank on December 12, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale.[29] After a back-and-forth first round, the fight was stopped in the second round when Cruickshank received a second inadvertent eye poke from Noons and was unable to continue. Because they had not reached the third round, the fight was declared a No Contest.[30]

Noons was expected to face Yan Cabral at UFC Fight Night 67.[31] However, Cabral was forced out of the bout after contracting Dengue Fever and replaced by Alex Oliveira.[32] Noons lost the fight via submission in the first round.[33]

Noons faced Josh Burkman on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82.[34] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[35]

Noons was released by the company on April 14, 2016.

Personal life

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Noons is married to professional model, Melany.[36]

Noons' first name comes from his father's first name, while his middle name comes from his grandfather's middle name.[37]

In 2010 Noons participated in a PETA ad campaign speaking out against animal cruelty and encouraging people to report animal abuse to authorities.[38]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Sanshou

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  • Art of War-K. Superstar Production
    • Art of War Sanshou Middleweight Championship (One time)
  • U.S. Open International Martial Arts Championships
    • U.S. Open Sanshou International Middleweight Championship (One time)
  • International Sport Karate Association
    • ISKA Amateur Sanshou International Super Middleweight Championship (One time)

Karate

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
23 matches 13 wins 9 losses
By knockout 9 1
By submission 0 2
By decision 4 6
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 13–9 (1) Josh Burkman Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson February 6, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 13–8 (1) Alex Oliveira Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves May 30, 2015 1 2:51 Goiânia, Brazil Welterweight bout.
NC 13–7 (1) Daron Cruickshank NC (accidental eye poke) The Ultimate Fighter: A Champion Will Be Crowned Finale December 12, 2014 2 0:25 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Cruickshank was rendered unable to continue.
Win 13–7 Sam Stout KO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale: Bisping vs. Kennedy April 16, 2014 1 0:30 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Welterweight bout. Performance of the Night.
Win 12–7 George Sotiropoulos Decision (unanimous) UFC 166 October 19, 2013 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 11–7 Donald Cerrone Decision (unanimous) UFC 160 May 25, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 11–6 Ryan Couture Decision (split) Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine January 12, 2013 3 5:00 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 11–5 Josh Thomson Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey March 3, 2012 3 5:00 Columbus, Ohio, United States Strikeforce Lightweight title eliminator.
Win 11–4 Billy Evangelista Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal December 17, 2011 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Loss 10–4 Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum June 18, 2011 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States Strikeforce Lightweight title eliminator.
Loss 10–3 Nick Diaz Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II October 9, 2010 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States For the Strikeforce Welterweight Championship.
Win 10–2 Jorge Gurgel TKO (punches) Strikeforce: Houston August 21, 2010 2 0:19 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 9–2 Conor Heun Decision (split) Strikeforce: Los Angeles June 16, 2010 3 5:00 Los Angeles, United States Catchweight (160 lbs) bout.
Win 8–2 Andre Amade Decision (unanimous) DREAM 13 March 22, 2010 2 5:00 Yokohama, Japan Catchweight (72 kg) bout.
Win 7–2 Yves Edwards TKO (punches and elbows) EliteXC: Return of the King June 14, 2008 1 0:48 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Defended the EliteXC Lightweight Championship.
Win 6–2 Nick Diaz TKO (doctor stoppage) EliteXC: Renegade November 10, 2007 1 5:00 Corpus Christi, Texas, United States Won the inaugural EliteXC Lightweight Championship.
Win 5–2 James Edson Berto KO (knee) ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series July 27, 2007 3 0:45 Santa Ynez, California, United States
Loss 4–2 Charles Bennett KO (punch) EliteXC: Destiny February 10, 2007 1 3:43 Southaven, Mississippi, United States
Win 4–1 Harris Sarmiento TKO (punches) ICON Sport 44 October 28, 2005 3 4:37 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 3–1 Bryson Kamaka KO (head kick) SuperBrawl 41 July 23, 2005 1 1:20 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Catchweight (165 lbs) bout.
Win 2–1 Malik Williams TKO (punches) SuperBrawl 39 April 9, 2005 1 2:43 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 1–1 Buddy Clinton Submission (heel hook) REF 11 October 12, 2002 1 0:25 Houston, Texas, United States REF 2002 Lightweight Tournament Final.
Win 1–0 Raul Guerra TKO (corner stoppage) REF 11 October 12, 2002 2 N/A Houston, Texas, United States REF 2002 Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.

Professional boxing record

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11 Wins (5 knockouts, 6 decisions), 2 Losses, 0 Draws
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Win 11-2   Julio Perez UD 6 2009-10-10   Arena Theatre, Houston, Texas
Win 10-2   Randy Pogue UD 6 2009-08-22   Pala Casino Spa and Resort, Pala, California
Win 9-2   Enrique Gallegos UD 6 2009-05-28   Arena Theatre, Houston, Texas
Loss 8-2   James Countryman UD 6 2009-03-21   U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati
Win 8-1   Alejandro Bogarin UD 6 2008-11-13   Expo Center, El Monte, California
Win 7-1   Anthony Cannon UD 6 2007-06-01   Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, California
Win 6-1   Roberto Estrada TKO 2 (6), 0:55 2006-09-15   Quiet Cannon, Montebello, California
Win 5-1   Velvet Malone TKO 4 (4), 1:01 2006-05-19   Quiet Cannon, Montebello, California
Loss 4-1   Daniel Stanislavjevic UD 6 2006-02-02   Henry Fonda Theater, Hollywood, California
Win 4-0   Damon Franklin TKO 3 (4), 1:24 2005-09-22   Henry Fonda Theater, Hollywood, California
Win 3-0   Thomas Rittenbaugh UD 4 2005-08-26   Golden Acorn Casino, Campo, California
Win 2-0   Ray Seja TKO 3 (4), 1:30 2005-06-17   Table Mountain Casino, Friant, California
Win 1-0   Ernest Lesure TKO 4 (4), 2:55 2004-06-18   Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas

Kickboxing record

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Kickboxing Record (incomplete)
12 Wins (9 (T)KO's, 3 decisions), 2 Losses, 0 Draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
September 24, 2004 Win   Cruz Chacon Ring of Fire 13: Bring the Heat   Castle Rock, Colorado UD 5 3:00
November 2, 2002 Win   Ruslan Andrechyensko Art of War: K. Superstar USA Finals   Biloxi, Mississippi UD 5 3:00
September 28, 2002 Win   Travis Johnson Strikeforce   San Jose, California KO 2 N/A
March 17, 2000 Loss   Rudi Ott ICMAC: Full Contact War   St. Petersburg, Florida UD 5 3:00
For vacant ISKA Sanshou U.S. Super Middleweight Championship.
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Film career

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Noons made his film debut in the 2014 comedy Mantervention playing himself.[39][40]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Condit vs. Alves". UFC.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  2. ^ "FightCenter – KJ "King Karl" Noons". tapology.com. Retrieved 2015-12-27.
  3. ^ a b c "KJ Noons – Bio". kjnoons.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  4. ^ "KJ Noons: I Am a Fighter - SHOWTIME Sports - Strikeforce MMA - Noons vs. Masvidal". Showtime Sports via YouTube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12.
  5. ^ AJ Hoffman. "KJ Noons Feels At Home Preparing In Houston". US Combat Sports.
  6. ^ "EliteXC's Hawaii Event Postponed to June". MMAjunkie.
  7. ^ Jack Bratcher. "Nick Diaz's Words To Daddy Noons & Elite XC's Promotion Tactics". Pro MMA Now.
  8. ^ "EliteXC lightweight champion KJ Noons stripped of title". MMAjunkie.
  9. ^ Loretta Hunt. "Strikeforce Signs Noons". Sherdog.
  10. ^ Dann Stupp. "Former EliteXC champ K.J. Noons drops decision in weekend boxing bout". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2010-02-08.
  11. ^ Ariel Helwani (5 January 2010). "KJ Noons vs. Billy Evangelista Off Strikeforce: Miami". MMA Fighting.
  12. ^ Loretta Hunt. "Noons-Bennett Rematch Set for June 26 Strikeforce". Sherdog.
  13. ^ Nate Lawson (4 June 2010). "KJ Noons vs. Conor Heun Booked For Strikeforce: L.A." Heavy.
  14. ^ Ariel Helwani (20 August 2010). "Strikeforce: Houston Weigh-In Video". MMA Fighting.
  15. ^ Ben Fowlkes (6 October 2010). "Nick Diaz Still Trying to Finish What He Started With K.J. Noons". MMA Fighting.
  16. ^ Mike Whitman. "Diaz Defends Title, Breaks Noons' Jaw". Sherdog.
  17. ^ Thomas Gerbasi. "Noons vs. Masvidal set for June 18 in Dallas". Strikeforce.com.
  18. ^ Damon Martin (7 June 2011). "Carano not cleared, won't fight on June 18". MMA Weekly via Yahoo! Sports.
  19. ^ "Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal". Strikeforce.com. 2011-10-11.
  20. ^ "K.J. Noons vs. Josh Thomson targeted for 'Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier' in March". mmajunkie.com. January 6, 2012. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  21. ^ Staff. "Ryan Couture vs. K.J. Noons". mmadecisions.com.
  22. ^ "Strikeforce: Ryan Couture Felt Decision Would Go to K.J. Noons". YouTube.com. 2013-01-12. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12.
  23. ^ "UFC Reveals List of Strikeforce Fighters Making Jump to Octagon". sherdog.com. January 16, 2013.
  24. ^ "Donald Cerrone vs. K.J. Noons added to May's UFC 160 card in Las Vegas". MMAjunkie.com. February 19, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  25. ^ Daniel Sankey (2013-07-25). "George Sotiropoulos to fight KJ Noons at UFC 166". smh.com.au. Retrieved 2013-07-25.
  26. ^ C.J. Tuttle (January 29, 2014). "UFC Ultimate Fight (TUF) 'Nations' Finale fight card: KJ Noons vs Sam Stout fight official for Quebec City". mmamania.com. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  27. ^ Karim Zidan (April 15, 2014). "Lightweights Sam Stout and KJ Noons successfully petition to change their TUF Nations finale bout to 170lb". mmamania.com. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
  28. ^ Staff (2014-04-16). "TUF Nations Finale bonuses: Poirier, Corrasani earn 'Fight of the Night' awards". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-04-16.
  29. ^ Tristan Critchfield (2014-10-09). "Lightweights Daron Cruickshank, K.J. Noons Paired at 'TUF 20' Finale on Dec. 12". sherdog.com.
  30. ^ Steven Marrocco (2014-12-12). "TUF 20 Finale results: Eye pokes lead to no-contest for Daron Cruickshank, K.J. Noons". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  31. ^ Mike Fridley (March 20, 2015). "K.J. Noons-Yan Cabral matchup on tap for May 30 UFC Fight Night event". sherdog.com. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  32. ^ Jesse Holland (May 20, 2015). "Dengue fever strikes down UFC fighter, shakes up May 30 line up in Brazil". mmamania.com. Retrieved May 20, 2015.
  33. ^ Thomas Myers (2015-05-30). "UFC Fight Night 67 results: Alex Oliveira chokes out KJ Noons in round one". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2015-05-30.
  34. ^ Staff (2015-12-13). "UFC Fight Night 82 adds Burkman-Noons". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
  35. ^ Steven Marrocco (2016-02-06). "UFC Fight Night 82 results: Josh Burkman gets unanimous decision sweep of K.J. Noons". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-06.
  36. ^ Dave Cofield. "Noons commits to difficult cut, reluctantly visits a salon". Yahoo! Sports.
  37. ^ "KJ Noons (Karl James) MMA Fighter Interview at Strikeforce June 16, 2010". Ed Magik TV via YouTube.com. 4 July 2010. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12.
  38. ^ "K.J. Noons Supports PETA Against Animal Cruelty", MMAWeekly.com, 15 June 2010.
  39. ^ "'Mantervention' Official Site". Scatena & Rosner Films. 2013-12-20. Archived from the original on 2014-01-22. Retrieved 2013-12-21.
  40. ^ "'Mantervention' on IMDb". IMDb.com. August 5, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
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New championship 1st EliteXC Lightweight Champion
November 10, 2007 – September 19, 2008 		Vacant
Noons stripped of title
Title next held by
EliteXC defunct on October 20, 2008
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