Josh Barnett Looking To Return Next Year
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett left the UFC earlier this year after being at odds with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), who handles all the drug testing for the promotion.
Even though he hasn’t competed in over two years, a confident Barnett believes a return to action will take place next year.
“It’s got to excite me,” said at the Quintet 3 media day. “It has to be the right name, the right time, the right setting, it has to fit in with the rest of my schedule. I’m not going to lock down to one promoter. I still want to fight, you’ll see me fight some time next year, it’s just a matter of when and where.”
Barnett has two big options if he chooses to sign with a promotion in North America, with those being Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The options expand a little bit if Barnett wishes the fight overseas, with Rizin, One Championship, Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB)< KSW MMA and others serving as viable landing spots.
The MMA fighter also has a history with pro wrestling, even challenging Bobby Lashley for the Impact Heavyweight Title awhile back.