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STRIKEFORCE mixed martial arts (MMA) star KJ Noons threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wednesday's Houston Astros game at Minute Made Park just three days before his showdown with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Jorge Gurgel on Saturday, Aug. 21 at the STRIKEFORCE: Houston event at Toyota Center in Houston.
Noons (9-2), who is also a professional boxer, was a linebacker at Clements High School in Sugarland, Texas. The dangerous striker has won five consecutive fights and is the last fighter to defeat current STRIKEFORCE welterweight champion Nick Diaz - a bloody first-round knockout in 2007.
Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro caught the ceremonial toss for Wednesday's game against the New York Mets.
The World Championship Doubleheader, which will be televised LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), features a main event showdown between undefeated STRIKEFORCE World Light Heavyweight Champion "King Mo'' Lawal (7-0) and highly touted Brazilian Rafael "Feijao'' Cavalcante (9-2).
In the co-feature, world-class submission specialist Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (12-2-1) and former Green Beret and American military hero Tim Kennedy (12-2) will battle for the vacant STRIKEFORCE Middleweight (185 pounds) title. Souza is a world-renowned grappler while Kennedy, a sniper for the Special Forces who served six tours of duties in the Middle East, is one of MMA's fastest rising stars.
