The Arena’s MMA Team had an outstanding showing at Strikeforce, held Saturday December 17 at the San Diego Sports Arena (now known as the Valley View Casino Center). Local favorite KJ Noons, trained by Arena coaches Jeff Clark, Pat Speight, and Vince Salvador, slugged it out for 3 rounds with a game Billy Evangelista in the fight of the night. There was outstanding action back and forth, but in the end Noons’ skill, chin and heart propelled him to a unanimous decision over Evangelista. The win puts Noons back into contention, and should land him a title shot if he wins his next bout.
In a much shorter fight, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos simply destroyed her opponent Hiroko Yamanaka in 16 seconds of the first round. Cornered by The Arena Coaches Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos and Cosmoe Cala, Cris Santos clearly demonstrated why she is the most dominant female fighter on the planet. Now the problem is to find another female fighter able to offer her a challenge…
With numerous other well-regarded fighters on its roster, the two wins for the team on the main card of Strikeforce proved once again why The Arena is considered one of the most promising MMA teams and gym in the sport. Only 3 years old, the popular San Diego MMA Gym has made rapid gains in a short time and has aggressive plans for additional expansion and success in the near future.
