What is the latest on Josh Barnett?

[Sardu]

He's generally rated as the #3 HW in the world behind Fedor and Brock Lesnar. Is he a persona non grata now for the two major promotions - UFC and Strikeforce? This is kind of selfish and longwinded of me but I'm dying for some feedback from you guys about how you think Big Josh would fare against the following fighters. Thanks!

Fedor
Brock
Frank Mir
Brett Rogers
Shane Carwin
Cain Velasquez
A forth fight with a badly faded Cro Cop
Dos Santos
Overeem

[Sardu]

Oh, I forgot one more - Arlovski

[wentz]

He's generally rated as the #3 HW in the world behind Fedor and Brock Lesnar. Is he a persona non grata now for the two major promotions - UFC and Strikeforce? This is kind of selfish and longwinded of me but I'm dying for some feedback from you guys about how you think Big Josh would fare against the following fighters. Thanks!

Fedor
Brock
Frank Mir
Brett Rogers
Shane Carwin
Cain Velasquez
A forth fight with a badly faded Cro Cop
Dos Santos
Overeem


Anyone can beat Mir. So forget that.

I think he'd beat all those fighters except Fedor. There are some guys not on your list who would give him trouble. I think you picked hws out of the kevin iole zuffa sponsored top ten, no?

[Beebs]

His continued steroid abuse and subsequent failed tests will make it very unlikely for him to fight in any org that tests, and Japanese organizations are starting to talk about finally implementing testing.

[boxingcar]

Barnett is safe in japan. He can use roids all he wants over there.

I'd love to see him in strikeforce though.

[AJAX]

His continued steroid abuse and subsequent failed tests will make it very unlikely for him to fight in any org that tests, and Japanese organizations are starting to talk about finally implementing testing.

That would be nice, guys like Overroid would have to think twice and I think a 3 strikes your out policy should be in effect for Barnett. If he's been caught twice it's likely he's been doing it all along and just finally got caught the last time.

[liger05]

His continued steroid abuse and subsequent failed tests will make it very unlikely for him to fight in any org that tests, and Japanese organizations are starting to talk about finally implementing testing.

Japan may implement testing but independent testing I really doubt it. MMA in Japan is not sacntioned by any commission. The promotions will only ever do testing if they are forced to.

I expect Fedor v Barnett will happen early 2010 in Dream. That fight will happen.

Josh could have some big pro-wrestling matches in the next few months. All depends on how the NJPW v IGF (Who Barnett works for) fued pans out. Barnett has the old IWGP title and Shinsuke Namkumera is the new champion who wants to consolidate the championship. We could see Nakumera v Barnett which would be big for Barnett. Main eventing in a New Japan show would be good for him. He wouldnt get the title but a good showing could lead to him working more shows for New Japan. Not to mention plenty exposure to the MMA promoters.

[dublynflya]

That would be nice, guys like Overroid would have to think twice and I think a 3 strikes your out policy should be in effect for Barnett. If he's been caught twice it's likely he's been doing it all along and just finally got caught the last time.

He's been caught three times mate! It's a damn shame that he has resorted to their use, because he is a very talented fighter who could probably beat any other heavyweight on Earth (Apart from Fedor).

[liger05]

According to Gryphon (Japanese site), Masakatsu Funaki was offered a fight with Josh Barnett at Dynamite!! but turned it down, stating he is strictly a pro wrestler now.

Wouldnt mind seeing Barnett v Fuanki in a UWFI style pro-wrestling match booked for Dynamite. That would be sick.

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

He is sitting around embarrassed.

[thejokerswild]

I've got his twitter and the guy is not straight ay. I also don't think he's professional enough to maintain a career properly but he's still a legit contender in HW. Bloke can fight simple as that.... and suplex.