When the list of Strikeforce fighters to be added to the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster was announced, there was one name left off the list which caught everyone’s attention. The former UFC heavyweight champion, Josh Barnett, was not included. The reasons why were never given, but most mixed martial arts fans considered him someone who should have been brought over immediately. Regardless of their reasons, that mistake has been corrected, and the Octagon will soon be graced by its newest heavyweight.
Josh Barnett’s signing had been reported through multiple outlets early last week, but it was not confirmed in any way through the UFC or Barnett. However, the former champion took to his Twitter account on last Wednesday to inform the world that he had been brought back by his former employer.
“The enemy has returned,” Barnett posted. “I’ve signed w/the UFC and no heavyweight is safe. They’re all due a lesson in violence from the Warmaster.”
Barnett’s return breathes a bit of life into a weight class that is currently low on challengers. Just looking at last weekend’s UFC 160 card reveals how much the heavyweight division needs an influx of fresh faces. Current champion Cain Velasquez beat Antonio Silva for the second time in a year. The first time they met, Cain dispatched “Bigfoot” in a very bloody, one-sided bout. Right beneath them was a number one contenders bout that featured the man Velasquez defeated in his last bout, former champion Junior dos Santos, who defeated the now 9-8 Mark Hunt, who had been on a tear since coming over from PRIDE.
While Barnett shouldn’t be considered a part of the title picture right out of the gate, he does have the ability to put together three or four wins within this weight class. Looking at the current rankings and matchups currently planned, a few different opportunities exist for the man who refers to himself as “The Warmaster.”
Roy Nelson was recently announced as facing Stipe Miocic at UFC 161, but the winner of the 10th season of The Ultimate Fighter would have been a great introductory opponent for Barnett. Few competitors at heavyweight have the personality to be able to match that of Barnett, but “Big Country” would be up for the challenge.
Fabricio Werdum and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira are due to face each other at UFC on Fuel TV 10 this coming June, and the winner of that bout would be another captivating opponent for Barnett to face when he steps back into the Octagon. Travis Browne and Frank Mir can also be included on that short list.
With this signing, the UFC has added a man that not only knows how to finish fights, but can talk them up at the same time. Josh Barnett has value within the UFC’s heavyweight division, and his return is a story to watch.
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UFC 160: Velasquez vs. Bigfoot II took place on May 25, 2013 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Actually I believe its "The Roidmaster".
It says so on his business card.