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UFC Still Open to Signing Josh Barnett, but Fine if He Decides To Do His Own Thing

UFC Still Open to Signing Josh Barnett, but Fine if He Decides To Do His Own Thing | MMAWeekly.com

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UFC president Dana White told members of the media following the UFC on Fuel TV 7 pre-fight press conference on Wednesday that they’re still open to Barnett becoming part of the UFC roster of heavyweights.

“I haven’t dealt with him at all. Joe Silva (UFC matchmaker) was dealing with him. I know there’s an offer on the table for him. If he wants to take it, it’s been offered. If not, he’s always been his own guy anyway,” said White.

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White is fine with whatever decision Barnett ultimately makes.

“It’s up to him. He’s a big boy. He’s been around for a long time. He kind of flies by the seat of his pants I think anyways,” said White.

“Even after he won the title, I mean, imagine if Josh Barnett had stayed in the UFC his whole career, what he could have accomplished? The money he could have made, and all the things that could have happened. He’s his own guy. He wants to do his own thing. I’ve got no problem with that.”

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I mean, imagine if Josh Barnett had stayed in the UFC his whole career, what he could have accomplished? The money he could have made, and all the things that could have happened.

Pretty crazy to think about. I think he could have held on to the title for a long time.

that's saying a hell of a lot for the HW division. It's not a division known for stable champions. But Barnett is one of those guys that finds a way to win, even if it's ugly as fuck. I'm still holding out hope for Barnett/Mir that's a money maker right there. Definitely a season of TUF.

I think Dana said this because he really wants Barnett in the UFC. If you think about it, Dana giving this little 'what if this happened' situation, could help in persuading Barnett to take a lesser deal he may of been holding back from signing in the first place. I mean, didn't they say before that Barnett was wanting more, and Dana hasn't been in the actual negotiations. This is just another one of Dana's ploys, which has merit, to pull someone into his grip. The line about Barnett being his own man is buttering him up, while at the same time being a bit of reverse-psychology.

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Originally Posted by Uvall (Post 1007278)

from what i have gathered, josh and his guys were happy with the money and made no counter offer. they didnt say excactly what it was that they werent happy with but it wasnt the money. if i had to guess its probably something to do with josh wanting to do pro wrestling or race cars or something along those lines that the ufc doesnt want him to do, pure speculation on my part though.

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Originally Posted by Fe1 (Post 1007215)

Pretty crazy to think about. I think he could have held on to the title for a long time.

i'll be dwelling on all those matchups all day. at that time, who could have beaten him? i'd pick him over randy, sylvia, mir at the time (and possibly now), and most any other contender. arlovski at his best could have given barnett problems, but now it would be a squash match.

i hope he changes his mind and comes back for a half dozen fights. nothing would make me happier than seeing him beat up cheick kongo.

On Barnett's run if he stayed UFC 3 hots would of made for a few breaks in it.
I would have to say contract restriction are probely the hold out factor.

Rumors are floating around about Barnett considering Bellator...

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Originally Posted by Cat--Smasher (Post 1007653)

Rumors are floating around about Barnett considering Bellator...

Links?

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Originally Posted by Sakara=Excitement (Post 1007656)

Links?

They have a thread on the UG Board about it. Nothing to solid to the rumor but lots of chatter.