First things first: Strikeforce lightweight contender K.J. Noons (12-2 MMA, 2-0 SF) wants you to know he's not a dirty fighter.

While much of the focus on his second-round TKO win over Jorge Gurgel has centered around a pair of potentially illegal strikes, Noons says neither was intentional.

"I'm not trying to be dirty," Noons said. "I'm just trying to finish the fight."

The first questionable blow came at the end of the opening round. A crisp left hand knocked Gurgel on his backside, but the blow appeared to come just after the bell.

Noons explained that he certainly wasn't attempting to score late.

"I didn't hear the bell," Noons said. "I heard the 10 seconds. When you hear the 10 seconds, being a fighter, this is your chance. I don't know if I won that round. I don't know if he won that round. You want to end every round showing out good. A lot of guys do a takedown. For myself, I want to get that last couple combos in to maybe finish the round good and win the round."

read entire article...

MMA gear now available at the UG Store

Bad Boy Pro Series 012 Tee $39.99 $37.99

RVCA Big RVCA Tee Only $20.99

tags-: KJ Noons (detail)  Jorge Gurgel (detail)  Strikeforce