Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett is out, and Conor Heun is in. The PRIDE veteran, who is as entertaining as he is controversial, was forced out of his rematch with Noons due to scheduling conflicts, and Noons has been moved to the June 16 card opposite Heun.
MMAjunkie.com confirmed the news on Bennett’s inability to face Noons, while the promotion confirmed Noons’ new opponent earlier today.
Heun, an IFL and EliteXC veteran, last fought in June of last year, dropping a unanimous decision to Jorge Gurgel. The fight snapped a three-fight winning streak, and Heun expressed his excitement to get back on the winning track via his Twitter account.
“When destiny knocks, I answer the door,” reads the message from earlier today. “KJ Noons vs. Conor Heun June 16th on Showtime. Now here is a fight I can get excited for.”
Heun’s opponent, former EliteXC lightweight champion Noons, was originally set to face Bennett on June 26 at “Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum” in a rematch from their 2007 affair that saw Bennett knock out Noons. Noons recently returned after a nearly two year layoff with a victory over Andre Amade at DREAM 13, extending his winning streak to four consecutive victories.
“Strikeforce: Los Angeles” is set for June 16 at the Nokia Theatre and will coincide with the highly popular Electronic Entertainment Expo. The card is headlined by a catchweight bout between Renato “Babalu” Sobral and Robbie Lawler. The card was originally expected to feature heavyweight star Bobby Lashley, but an injury has forced the former professional record off the card.