Josh "The Warmaster" Barnett, 35, out of Seattle, Washington, is one of the most successful mixed martial artists at heavyweight along with being a successful professional wrestler in Japan. His tenure in the UFC lasted from 2000 to 2002, during which time he amassed a 4-1 record, culminating with his win over Randy Couture at UFC 36 where he captured the Heavyweight Title. Unfortunately Barnett's reign as heavyweight champion was short-lived as he tested positive for (multiple) steroids in a post-fight drug screening and was stripped. Barnett disputed the positive test and the ensuing feud with the company resulted in a complete falling out between the two sides, with Barnett never returning to the UFC. He went on to have a very successful MMA and pro wrestling career in Japan, becoming the Pancrase Open-Weight Champion and coming second in the 2006 Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix. Between 2008 and last year Barnett made a strong return to fighting stateside, winning four of five fights and reaching the finals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix (ultimately losing to Daniel Cormier). However in 2009 he failed a pre-fight drug test (which he disputed, but his "B" sample tested positive as well), causing Affliction MMA to cancel it's third show and knocking down the first domino that lead to the promotion folding. The old adage about athletes on steroids is that once they start they can never get off them. In 2010, UFC President Dana White said that Barnett will never return to the UFC (approx. 8:45 into video): [video=youtube;bVb5ERfGQdI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bVb5ERfGQdI#t=528s[/video] However, in a recent interview, Dana White left the door open for Barnett's return, telling media that they'll have to wait and see if Barnett comes over in the Strikeforce merger. Fair or foul?
Re: Should steroid cheat Josh Barnett be allowed to fight in the UFC? yeah I would want to see him in the UFC. He can still be in a lot of interesting matchups and entertain.
Re: Should steroid cheat Josh Barnett be allowed to fight in the UFC? Time heals all wounds? I don't think he's someone that's going to come in and run through the HW division. I don't think that about Testoster-eem, either. If the UFC welcomes back guys like Chael Sonnen and rewards him with television spots and main events, they can't really treat Barnett like a pariah anymore and say they are being fair. There are interesting match-ups with Barnett I'd like to see.
Re: Should steroid cheat Josh Barnett be allowed to fight in the UFC? Barnett doesn't sell fights like Sonnen can, though. I think he should be allowed back in, however.
Re: Should steroid cheat Josh Barnett be allowed to fight in the UFC? Dana White says Josh Barnett will "probably" fight in the UFC again.
