Noons-Bennett Rematch Set for June 26 Strikeforce

K.J. Noons will get the opportunity to avenge one of his two career defeats when he meets Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett in a featured lightweight bout at Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Werdum” on June 26 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed the rematch with Sherdog.com on Wednesday.

Noons, who signed with the U.S.-based Strikeforce in December, represented the promotion as part of a cross-promotional talent alliance at Dream 13 on March 22 in Japan, boxing Andre “Dida” Amado to a decision. The 26-year-old kickboxer has key MMA victories over former UFC contender Yves Edwards and Nick Diaz, Strikeforce’s 170-pound champion.

The often legally-embattled Bennett dropped Noons and finished him with follow-up punches in the first round at EliteXC “Destiny” in February 2007. Bennett has gone 4-3 since the Noons victory; he was knocked out by Bobby Green in the first round at a KOTC event in December 2009.

The June 26 event will also feature the return of the world’s No. 1 heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, who takes on former UFC top-fiver Fabricio Werdum in the headlining bout. Strikeforce 145-pound women’s champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos will also defend her crown against Jan Finney.