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- Moving forward: Search still in progress to find replacement for Josh Barnett at Affliction 3
- CSAC releases statement on refusing to allow Josh Barnett to fight Fedor Emelianenko on Aug. 1 at Affliction
- Fox Fight Game video talks Affliction fiasco, pushes for Fedor Emelianenko vs Tito Ortiz
- Forrest Griffin: ‘The next evolution for me is wrestling’
- Screw job: Frank Shamrock (sans metal) vows to return in surgical video blog
- Report: Josh Barnett tests ‘positive;’ Fedor Emelianenko fight at Affliction 3 in jeopardy (Updated)
| Moving forward: Search still in progress to find replacement for Josh Barnett at Affliction 3 Posted: 22 Jul 2009 02:11 PM PDT
With the recent news that heavyweight Josh Barnett tested positive for banned substances and might not be eligible to fight Fedor Emelianenko just 10 days from now at the Affliction: "Trilogy" event, company vice president Tom Atencio today headlined a media conference call to address the issue. "As you obviously can imagine, this has been a complete surprise to us,” he said. “When we spoke to the California Athletic Commission, this was not something we were prepared for. But it's our understanding that Josh is taking further measures to validate the results of the test. And if the results stand, then we are deeply disappointed. Having said that, we are very confident in getting a worthy (replacement) opponent (for Fedor)." While Atencio refused to comment on who that replacement opponent could be, he did say that he is in negotiations with three different fighters to fill the gap in the headline fight.
"I've got three people who I'm speaking with. Until I have a contract in hand — negotiations are in place — but until I have a contract finalized and it's done, I'm just not going to say anything. It just doesn't make sense for me to get anybody's hopes up." Speculation has revolved around who that replacement fighter could be. The most likely candidates include current middleweight contender Vitor Belfort, who is scheduled to face Jorge Santiago that same night, but who has stated that he is willing to move up in weight to fight "The Last Emperor"; Fabricio Werdum, who was slated to face Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem until a hand injury forced the champ off the August 15 card; and dark horse Brett Rogers, fresh off a stunning first round knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei Arlovski. It is believed that former professional wrestler turned MMA newcomer, Bobby Lashley, was also in the mix, but decided to gracefully bow out, saying the money wasn’t worth risking a setback so early in his blossoming career. Nonetheless, it's anyone's guess if these fighters — or perhaps someone else — make up the "three people" Atencio is in negotiations with. In the meantime, Barnett's second sample is being tested for banned substances. Atencio stated on the call that it was his understanding that Barnett was asked to provide two samples at the same time, approximately one month ago. While his “A” sample came back positive for banned substances — what type of substances Atencio could not say — his “B” sample has yet to be tested. He stated that, should the second “B” sample come back clean, it is up to the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) to clear Barnett to fight, and it was out of his control. I had a chance to ask my own question during the call, which was: Given the importance of this event, should Josh Barnett's second sample come back positive, how will that affect Atencio's relationship with the fighter? "I don't see it affecting anything," Atencio said. "I've known Josh for years. He's a fighter. I've fought. I have a lot of respect for him. If it comes back positive, you know, that's on him. That's something he has to continue to move forward with … If he can't fight for me, then the only real way it affects is that he cannot fight in my organization anymore." By the sound of it, Barnett might not be getting a second chance at this long-awaited fight with the world's greatest heavyweight, unless by some minor miracle his second sample comes back clean or it happens at a later date with a different promotion. Atencio stated his belief that Barnett stands a "great possibility" of being reinstated by the CSAC, should the second sample come back clean; but in the meantime, Atencio must move forward by trying to find another opponent. Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more breaking news on this unfortunate and evolving turn of events. |
| Posted: 22 Jul 2009 01:30 PM PDT
SACRAMENTO — The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has denied a license to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Josh Barnett after Barnett tested positive for a banned substance. Barnett's June 25 drug test came back positive for 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one, an anabolic steroid. CSAC learned of the results July 21 and immediately denied a license for Barnett. CSAC also informed the promoter of Barnett's August 1 bout against Fedor Emelianenko that the bout would not be approved. "The license of Josh Barnett was denied pursuant to rule 303 of Title IV of the California Code of Regulations," said CSAC Interim Executive Officer Dave Thornton. "That rule prohibits the use of certain substances, including anabolic agents, by any boxer or MMA fighter." Barnett's test was observed in the presence of a CSAC representative and the sample was sent to the World Anti-doping Agency test facility at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on June 25 for processing. CSAC was notified of the results yesterday. Barnett has the right to appeal the denial of his license. "Our primary concern is for the health and safety of fighters," said Thornton. "Anabolic agents and other banned substances put the users of those agents at risk, as well as their opponents. The commission simply will not tolerate their use." CSAC has among the toughest drug testing standards of any Athletic Commission in the country. |
| Fox Fight Game video talks Affliction fiasco, pushes for Fedor Emelianenko vs Tito Ortiz Posted: 22 Jul 2009 09:57 AM PDT |
| Forrest Griffin: ‘The next evolution for me is wrestling’ Posted: 22 Jul 2009 08:35 AM PDT
Props: USA Today Quoteworthy:
Former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin talks about his upcoming 205-pound non-title fight against middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva at UFC 101, which is slated for the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pa., on Aug. 8. The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner from season one is expecting the most dangerous fight of his career — but has also been evolving in his training to try and exploit “The Spider’s” weaknesses. Is wrestling one of them? Or is the NY Times bestselling author going to be written out of his own Cinderella story? We’re less than three weeks away. Predictions please. |
| Screw job: Frank Shamrock (sans metal) vows to return in surgical video blog Posted: 22 Jul 2009 08:14 AM PDT |
| Report: Josh Barnett tests ‘positive;’ Fedor Emelianenko fight at Affliction 3 in jeopardy (Updated) Posted: 22 Jul 2009 06:00 AM PDT
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett submitted a “positive test” prior to his much anticipated title fight against Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction: “Trilogy” from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 1, according to Sherdog.com. ***UPDATE: Affliction Vice President Tom Atencio has confirmed with MMA Fanhouse that the August 1 main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Josh Barnett has been canceled. Here’s a snip:
Middleweight Vitor Belfort, a former light heavyweight who is already booked to fight Jorge Santiago in a 185-pound contest on the same night, has reportedly agreed to step in if needed; however, Atencio refused to comment on that possible scenario, as well as a potential call up for Bobby Lashley. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) will apparently issue a “comprehensive statement” on its findings later today. Stay dialed in to MMAmania.com throughout the day for more on this developing story. |
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