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Josh Barnett on Affliction return, rumored pay cuts | MMAjunkie.com

Josh Barnett on Affliction return, rumored pay cuts
by John Morgan on Aug 01, 2008 at 7:00 pm ET
Josh BarnettDespite being passed up for a shot at WAMMA heavyweight title-holder Fedor Emelianenko, and amid rumors of a possible pay-reduction request from the company's front office, heavyweight Josh Barnett (23-5) is preparing himself for a rumored October Affliction card.

Barnett discussed his possible return while a guest on "The Lights Out Show" on the TAGG Radio Network (TAGG Radio Network - Home of TAGG Radio & The Lights Out Show!), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com).

"I've got a pro wrestling match Aug. 15 in Tokyo, Japan," Barnett said. "After that, I guess I'll be fighting someone Oct. 11. I don't know who yet."

Despite no official announcement from Affliction, Barnett feels confident the rumored show will come to fruition.

"I'm training for it," Barnett said.

Barnett, who has fought in several organizations throughout his 11-year career (including the UFC and PRIDE), said he enjoyed his first experience with the debuting Affliction promotion. The proximity of the Anaheim, Calif. show to the southern California resident's home was one reason Barnett was pleased.

"It was nice to be able to just hang out in my own house (and) drive down to the arena (and to) have all my friends and family be able to come and see me that live here in the States," Barnett said.

There was another simpler, yet important, reason Barnett hopes to return to the Affliction ring.

"I think [Affliction] is doing a pretty good job," Barnett said. "PRIDE owes me money. And the check from Affliction went through just fine. They're certainly a step up there."

After Affliction's first show, many believed a Barnett vs. Emelianenko bout would be the next logical step for both fighters. The prevailing belief at this point, however, is that Emelianenko will be paired with Belarusian heavyweight and former UFC title-holder Andrei Arlovski.

Barnett said he was unconcerned with Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio's choice of opponent.

"It's not about chasing down fights or fighters, particularly," Barnett said. "The fights will come. And I'm going to be standing on top."

Although official announcements regarding a future Affliction show have yet to be made, Barnett encouraged fans to contact the organization if a fight between "The Babyface Assassin" and "The Last Emperor" was something they wanted to see on an upcoming card.

"If people really want to see this fight, then they need to say something," Barnett said. "Write Affliction or whoever. Let it be known. If that's the fight you want to see, then say so."

With rumors swirling that Affliction may ask its fighters to take an alleged 50 percent pay decrease in the future, the possibility of a Barnett vs. Emelianenko bout may prove doubtful. But Barnett wanted everyone to know he's not opposed to the proposition.

"I know I've got a lot of great fans here, and I'm not here to let them down or sleight them," Barnett said. "There's nobody I wouldn't fight."

To hear the full interview, in which Barnett discusses other possible opponents as well as his extensive career in Japan, download Thursday's edition of "The Lights Out Show," available for free in the TAGG Radio Network archives.

This story, written by John Morgan, was produced by The TAGG Radio Network (TAGG Radio Network - Home of TAGG Radio & The Lights Out Show!) specially for MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com). "The Lights Out Show," hosted by Chris Fries and The JDH, airs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Download all the former episodes at TAGG Radio Network - Home of TAGG Radio & The Lights Out Show!.

More to share... Interesting read... I hope Barnett gets his just dues soon, and gets to fight Fedor.

[Maniac]

He'll be the one.

[jrube]

Originally Posted by Maniac

He'll be the one.

I agree... I think he can take Fedor deep enough into the fight, to catch him, or out work him.

[kingrobert]

Josh Barnett is one hell of a fighter. If anyone is going to be able to beat Fedor he has the best chance. He is a good striker and has a great ground game. Pluss his is also a big HW. I think if Josh wants to beat Fedor he needs to get in a little better condition and weigh in about 15 pounds lighter then he usually does.

[drop toe hold]

i think fedor smashes him, barnett fell apart during his fight with crocop, he looked like he was scared to death, i think he would do the same against fedor, fedor first round tko

[WadoKai]

Originally Posted by drop toe hold

i think fedor smashes him, barnett fell apart during his fight with crocop, he looked like he was scared to death, i think he would do the same against fedor, fedor first round tko

I agree, I think if Crocop was able to have his way with Barnett, that Fedor can do the same by pushing the pace. Start with a little bit of GnP, then end it on the feet.

Fedor, by TKO, round 2.

[Frag x 3]

Hopefully Barnett can show America fans that there's more than just the UFC and Fedor. As for him beating Fedor, I don't see it happening.

[Diegonightmare]

Originally Posted by Frag x 3

Hopefully Barnett can show America fans that there's more than just the UFC and Fedor.

Most casual MMA fans in America only know of the former

[Healzyou]

Maybe they shouldnt've given Tim Sylvia 800 fucking thousand dollars for 36 seconds of sucking. They could probably put on an entire card for the amount they paid Tim Sylvia.

[maxp84z]

Originally Posted by Healzyou

Maybe they shouldnt've given Tim Sylvia 800 fucking thousand dollars for 36 seconds of sucking. They could probably put on an entire card for the amount they paid Tim Sylvia.

I KNOW! Tim was making 100/100k in the UFC... WHy didnt Affliction just say, hey we'll give you 200k/200k (Thats still double) maybe even offer 250k/250k... but 800!!! WTF??? like the only ppl who can afford paying fighters this much IS the UFC.