Josh Barnett welcomes UFC import, thinks Cormier will stop Mir in the second

Cat--Smasher · 07-31-2012, 07:47 PM

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"They need somebody who saw me lose the fight last time and is maybe a little more bold and a little more brave," Barnett told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com). "Please. Please make that mistake. I like getting paid for your lack of judgment."

In May, Barnett was unanimously outpointed by Cormier in a fight that left them battered and bloodied as it drew praise – Cormier for his craft and power, and Barnett for his toughness. Cormier also injured his hand, but elected for a quicker turnaround against Mir.

Having felt firsthand the power and talent of Cormier, Barnett is sure the former Olympian's current run won't be stopped.

"I think 'DC' takes him out within two rounds," he said. "He's such a tough, physical, well-conditioned and just smart fighter. I think Frank is coming off a loss, and I don't think that his style matches up that well with 'DC.'

"Frank has got that X-factor in his submission game. But I think 'DC' is one of the top four fighters in the world right now."

At this point, Strikeforce parent Zuffa hasn't indicated whether Mir's crossover is a one-time deal. While it appears that other UFC fighters could follow, it's just as possible that new talent will be signed to meet Barnett. Officially, Cormier is the only other heavyweight on its roster.

Barnett presumably has until March to fulfill his obligations. That's when a one-year broadcast deal between Zuffa and Showtime expires, though that timeframe could be extended if the two companies extend the relationship.

It's not in Barnett's character to plead for anything in his career or life, so he's fine with whoever is put in front of him.

"Line 'em up," he said. "It doesn't really make a difference who shows up, they've all got to go."

There are a few opponents he would like more than others, of course – Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, for example. While the Brazilian veteran is currently on the mend from a broken arm issued by Mir at UFC 140, Barnett would happily welcome him back.

"I would love that," he said. "That is a fight I would absolutely love. I don't see that happening, especially now that he's got to get his plate removed. But please, bring it. I want to put a nail in the coffin of that whole trilogy."

Then there's Tim Sylvia, who came within a hair of fighting Cormier. Barnett considers him a friend, but would fight as a professional.

And there's Junior Dos Santos, who's a pipe dream in his current career state, but nonetheless a strong one.

"I could beat him the next fight out, I could beat him three fights out," Barnett said. "I know that I have everything that's necessary to beat Junior. I could fight him on the feet. I'm already better on the ground than he is. You've got to take a guy out of his comfort zone."

It's academic, however, until health is no longer keeping him from his job. Barnett expects he'll cross over to the UFC once his time with Strikeforce is done, but nothing is certain, and his old beef with Zuffa brass can't be discounted when it comes to how negotiations could play out.

But he could give them an awfully good reason to pick him up by making the best of his remaining fight.

"I think every MMA promotion in the world needs a guy like me," Barnett said. "The UFC needs people that can not only fight, but also be able to capture the audience's attention and expand that market.

Nobody can fill that void like I do."

Josh Barnett welcomes UFC import, thinks Cormier will stop Mir in the second | MMAjunkie.com

How about Mark Hunt?

Fedorlei Gomipierre · 07-31-2012, 07:50 PM

Josh vs. Werdum or Gonzaga would be cool as shit.

TheDoucheyWun · 07-31-2012, 07:50 PM

I like the respect Barnett shows DC in this interview I think that him stating he believes DC is among the top 4 fighters in the world is huge.

MIZjitsZOU · 07-31-2012, 08:02 PM

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Originally Posted by Fedorlei Gomipierre

Josh vs. Werdum or Gonzaga would be cool as shit.

I wouldn't want that if I was in Werdum (unless it was in the ufc), but yeah send Gonzaga right over. That would be a great fight.

Bearded Big Country · 07-31-2012, 08:13 PM

Red Rover, Red Rover, Send Big Nog over

KevoOnTheRadio · 08-01-2012, 05:13 AM

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Originally Posted by Bearded Big Country

Red Rover, Red Rover, Send Big Nog over

I don't want to see that at all.

Kimbo> Rampage · 08-01-2012, 05:21 AM

Iv always liked Josh and his style, but he very often gets overrated... He is just slightly better than Big Nog at this point.

Id like to see him fight Werdum, Nelson, or Mir... All winnable fights, but he has a good chance of losing those as well...

I never saw him as the guy to beat Fedor or JDS...

Has a few fights with CC... Gets destroyed...

Has a few fights with Nog... Both very close, could have gone either way....

He is the guy to beat Fedor!?!?

disposableassassin · 08-01-2012, 05:58 AM

As far as the guy to beat fedor....nah. I think he could beat all but probably the top 5 or 6 HW in the UFC. He would crush big at this point in their careers IMO. Guys like Cain, and JDS hand him his ass though. I would like to see him matched up with guys like carwin, or werdum.