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[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

Okay, Josh failed the steroids test, but so did Sylvia and he came back and had a really solid run with Dana and co.

But I just can't seem to grasp why somebody who has such a personality like Barnett, wouldn't be sought after by the UFC, given how he is generally, a very marketable fighter.

Josh's a trash talker, he has really entertaining fights, he's a top tier heavyweight and looks like an all american and when you add it all together, I feel like it's just a perfect fit for North American MMA.

He reminds me alot like a bad guy pro wrestler the way he talks and acts, kinda like an egotistical prick with a chip on his shoulder because he know's he's that damn good.

Anyways, I just thought I'd throw out this question, because of all the non UFC fighters, Josh seems to be one of the most marketable and seems to fit in perfectly with the UFC model of superstar fighters, but why isn't he in UFC and what will it take to get him there, because I believe he could do very good business with Dana and the talent they have.

Thoughts?

[Esox Express]

from what i understand, dana absolutely hates barnett and therefore refuses to sign him.

[thumper]

Yeah.

It's because Dana isn't adult or mature enough to put his personal issues in the background and make decisions on people based on value, rather than his own shortcomings

[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

I just don't get it though still, I mean Dana hated Tito and still worked with him for a number of years. Barnett would be a solid addition to the roster and would probably only be behind Nog in the HW division.

I mean, I get Dana hating Fedor for the pricetag and demands and all that jazz, I don't agree with it, but it makes sense to me, but if Dana White wants to be an ubersuccessful promoter, he needs to learn that there are no such things as "BURNT BRIDGES" and that no matter what a fighter does, if there is money to be made, there is a contract that can be signed. This is another example where Dana needs to take a cue from Vince McMahon, no matter what your employees do or how much you hate them, if there's money to be made and the fans want it, Vince will make the deal. Sable, Bret Hart and Billy Graham are just a few names that come to mind, in which Vince has been on FUCK YOU terms with them and still brings them back.

If the reason Barnett isn't in UFC is only because Dana has beef with him, it is merely just another example of Dana being an immature, hot-headed, emotionally stunted little man.

Shame.

[SimpleJack]

Courtesy of the main site.

The following is part of an interview with Josh Barnett from CBS Sports writer Sam Caplan's FiveOuncesOfPain.com blog site:

FiveOuncesOfPain.com contacted former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett to get his reaction to comments that UFC president Dana White directed at him during a conference call this afternoon to promote UFC 75.

Below are some quotes:

"He cared. He gives a shit because if he didn’t he wouldn’t say anything and he wouldn’t get so worked up about it. He only uses his coveted swear words at important moments like when he tries to get fighters pumped up or gives them pep talks."

Five Ounces Of Pain then asked Barnett if he was still in negotiations at the time of his original comments.

"I was not negotiating with the UFC at the time of the comments but I can’t really talk about all the negotiations that I’ve been involved with and will be involved with at this point," he answered.

When asked if he felt there was still a chance he could sign with the UFC, Barnett didn’t rule it out.

"I could always sign with the UFC," responded Barnett. "It’s only a matter of making things work right for the both of us."

Furthermore, Barnett doesn’t believe he burned a bridge with the UFC with the negative comments he made towards Couture.

"You don’t burn bridges with Dana. If you can make him money, he puts you in there. If he thinks he’s going to get rich, he uses you or in some instances he has his guys that he calls his 'boys,' or whatever. He knows where his bread is buttered and if he sees green -- it’s a go. Randy got an instant title shot coming out of retirement. You know why? Because he saw green. I’m not the only person to ever have issues with Dana and I’m sure -- in fact I know for a fact -- that there are fighters that are in the Ultimate Fighting Championship right now that have a problems with Dana White. But this is a completely different scenario. If he wants to have personal issues with fighters then there’s nothing I can do to help that guy."

Barnett concluded, "In terms of business, I make promoters money and promoters make me money and that’s what it comes down to and when it comes to calling somebody unbeatable you better make sure next time that the guy that beat him for the heavyweight title before isn’t in the same room."

[swalsh]

The UFC should sign Barnett and add some much needed depth to the HW division. He is a top five heavy weight no question.

[SWIFTboy]

I think Barnett asks for things that Dana doesn't like to give. Exclusivity I remember being an issue, and other such things.

[scottsec]

Because Dana White thinks he's a douche...

[jhell]

Originally Posted by thumper

Yeah.

It's because Dana isn't adult or mature enough to put his personal issues in the background and make decisions on people based on value, rather than his own shortcomings

That's it in a nutshell.