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Dana White: Josh Barnett to the UFC is 'probably going to happen'

Dana White: Josh Barnett to the UFC is 'probably going to happen' - MMAmania.com

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Josh Barnett has had a long and complicated relationship with the UFC brass over the years; however, it appears "The Warmaster" may be on his way back to the world famous Octagon as UFC President Dana White said Barnett's return to the UFC is "probably going to happen."

After giving nonchalant answers regarding former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight Josh Barnett returning to the organization for the past few weeks, UFC President Dana White has now opened up a bit, saying he believes a return to the Octagon for "The Warmaster" is "probably" going to happen.

Barnett (32-6) had his profile added to the UFC's official website last week, which raised some questions about his contract status. The 35-year-old defeated Nandor Guelmino at Strikeforce: "Marquardt vs. Saffiedine" earlier this month to complete the final fight of his contract, and now is fielding free agent offers.

Some believed the UFC would be hesitant to sign Barnett because of his history of failed drug tests and the lofty price tag that comes along with signing him, but at Tuesday's UFC 158 press conference in Montreal (watch it here), White expressed interest in the heavyweight contender, hinting that a deal may be in the works.

"I have not (spoke with Barnett)," White told MMAmania.com. "It's probably going to happen."

Barnett has not competed in the UFC defeating Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight championship in March 2002. The Washington-born fighter later tested positive for banned substances, and as a result was stripped of his belt and has not competed in the organization since.

Up until recently, the thought of Barnett fighting in the UFC again seemed like fantasy, but considering White's latest comments, a return to the Octagon for the catch-wrestling specialist could be closer to a reality.

Encouraging.

Good. I want to see him fight Mir or Nelson.

Give him the rope and see if he hangs himself.

Josh Barnett: I’m Still Not Signed To The UFC
Josh Barnett: I’m Still Not Signed To The UFC

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osh Barnett has yet to secure a contract with the UFC, but based on his recent post on Facebook, it appears the former heavyweight champion is leaning that way.

Barnett last competed earlier this month in Strikeforce, earning an easy victory over Nandor Guelimino. He last fought for the UFC 11 years ago, failing a post-fight drug test and being stripped of the title.

Contract issues saw Barnett exit the promotion shortly after, and he continued to compete in MMA around the world.

No, I am not in the UFC yet, but I would love to be in the UFC fighting in the Octagon again being back on the mats where I won the heavyweight title 11 years ago. It’s the biggest promotion, with the most exposure, and the best heavyweight division. Plus it’s abundantly clear – it’s where you guys want to see me fighting. I don’t know at this point where my next fight is but I will train and prepare for war with the world because that’s what I do…and the next battlefield could be the UFC.

They're still negotiating but hopefully it gets done soon.

It's about damn time!