K.J. Noons vs. Josh Thomson targeted for 'Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier' in March

A pivotal lightweight match is likely headed to a yet-unannounced Strikeforce event planned for March.

Sources close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that K.J. Noons (11-4 MMA, 3-2 SF) and Josh Thomson (18-4 MMA, 9-2 SF) have verbally agreed to meet.

As MMAjunkie.com first reported, "Strikeforce Grand Prix Final: Barnett vs. Cormier" takes place March 3 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The event airs live on Showtime with prelims on Showtime Extreme.

Noons rebounded from a two-fight skid with a decision victory over Billy Evangelista this past month at "Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal." The win put him one step closer to a coveted title shot against current champ Gilbert Melendez, who outpointed Jorge Masvidal in the event's headliner.

Masvidal spoiled Noons' return to lightweight this past June after his unsuccessful bid for then-welterweight champion Nick Diaz's title eight months prior.

American Kickboxing Academy product Thomson hasn't fought since he lost a decision to Tatsuya Kawajiri at DREAM "Dynamite!! 2010," which snapped a two-fight win streak. He was expected to return this past September at "Strikeforce Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov" to face World Victory Road/Sengoku veteran Maximo Blanco, but he was forced to withdraw due to a foot injury.

The setbacks further delayed what many believe to be an inevitable rubber match with Melendez, whom he bested in June 2008 to win the Strikeforce lightweight title and lost to 18 months months later in a hotly contested rematch.

However, the winner of the lightweight bout, which is expected to be part of the event's main card, could very well move into a No. 1 contender position.

Check back with MMAjunkie.com for updates on "Strikeforce Grand Prix Final: Barnett vs. Cormier" as they become available.

And for the latest on "Strikeforce Grand Prix Final: Barnett vs. Cormier," stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Josh Thomson)
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