Ever since the fold of Affliction, mixed martial arts fans have been wondering if the bout between #1 ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko (31-1) and top five contender Josh Barnett (24-5) would ever take place. Sources close to DREAM have informed MMA Recap (http://www.mmarecap.com) that Barnett will sign with DREAM and that Strikeforce and M-1 will indeed cross promote with FEG to deliver the epic matchup we’ve all been waiting for. The bout between Fedor and Barnett is tentatively scheduled for February of 2010, but no official date has been confirmed. Emelianenko and Barnett were originally supposed to fight at "Affliction: Trilogy" on August 1, 2009, but Barnett tested positive for steroids during a pre-fight drug test and the entire event was scrapped. Josh Barnett has not seen action since facing Gilbert Yvel at “Affliction: Day of Reckoningâ€, where he defeated Yvel via technical knock out in round 3. Look for Barnett to try to make this a technical fight, and utilize his tremendous grappling skills. Fedor Emelianenko last saw action when he defeated dangerous striker Brett Rogers via technical knock out in round two. Emelianenko will undoubtedly be the favorite in this fight, and for good reason. However, stylistically this is the toughest opponent Fedor has seen in some time. Look for Fedor to be patient and use a mix of his strikes and takedowns to stifle Barnett until he finds a huge opening that he can capitalize on. If this does happen I am glad to see it finally. Barnett is no slouch and having Fedor sooner than later is a plus. Barnett has size and good wrestling so this will be a good fight to see.
I knew this fight would happen in Dream. Definitely good for the fans. :cheer: No matter what we think of Barnett being juiced::
Steroids doesn't do anything to a MMA fighter IMO .Everytime a fighter fails the test he lost the fight anyway
In the sense you are talking yes. But the one thing roids do for any athlete, baseball, football, mma, boxing, etc., is allow them to heal and work through injuries faster and easier. I can bet you anything this is the reason why Josh takes them.
Barnett doesn't deserve a Fedor fight. He had his chance, but he got caught cheating. Again. Barnett should never fight for a major promotion again. TFK
Barnett with or without steroids is one of the best heavyweights, but i think after what happened, he at least needs a win over a top heavyweight....i'd like to see him re-earn the opportunity he did his best to throwaway.
There should be a Barnett vs Overeem fight, winner gets a free lifetime supply of clean urine to use in future tests. That being said, what has Barnett done since his win over Nog for him to deserve a shot at Fedor? TFK
This is the heavyweight division....one decent win and you are catipulted into the title picture, and that's in the UFC, where the talent pool isn't as shallow.
Agree. The penalties for steroid use should be far more Draconian, something along the lines of 2 year suspension on first positive and lifetime ban on 2nd.
crocop on roids > barnett on roids. barnett is nothing special and hasn't done all that much in the last 3 years.
