Oh crap, Barnett might be out

[Liquidrob]

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/fedor-barnett-bout-in-jeopardy-18663

Affliction Entertainment and M-1 Global are looking for a new opponent to face Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction “Trilogy” on Aug. 1 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Multiple sources have told Sherdog.com that the California State Athletic Commission will not license Josh Barnett after testing positive in an undisclosed test. Calls to the California State Athletic Commission and Affliction Entertainment were not immediately returned.

Barnett said he had not been notified of any issues with his eligibility as of Tuesday evening.

“I took my test three weeks ago. I would have thought I would have heard something by now,” Barnett told Sherdog.com.

However, the former UFC heavyweight champion said he had not checked his phone messages recently and later added, “No matter what happens with this, I can assure you I will clear my name. This will not be something that I am defined by.”

Both Bobby Lashley and Vitor Belfort have agreed in principle to face the world’s No. 1 heavyweight on 11 days’ notice, according to two separate sources close to the negotiations. One source told Sherdog.com that Emelianenko will have the opportunity to choose between the two replacements.

Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, is scheduled to face American Top Team standout Jorge Santiago in a middleweight bout on the Aug. 1 card. Lashley, a former World Wrestling Entertainment star, is 4-0 since his professional debut seven months ago.

 

[Kuzzy Powers]

Bobby Lashley by suplex.

 

[Steel Mamba]

This might be the nail in the coffin for Affliction. Seems like it'd be better off if they just reschedule this event until they can find a suitable replacement or else they're just going to lose their selves a lot of money. Really sucks either way, I'm going to be disappointed if this is a steroid, most likely I would assume, that he tested for.

 

[Liquidrob]

Hopefully its a troll like Kimo's death

 

[Steel Mamba]

hm

this part makes this whole thing sound legit

Vitor Belfort has agreed in principle to face the world’s No. 1 heavyweight on 11 days’ notice, according to two separate sources close to the negotiations.

But then there's this

Lashley has denied knowing anything about replacing Barnett, though.

Sherdog is usually on with there reports, sadly I'm guessing this is probably true.

 

[Bigpapa42]

Shitty deal. Fucking Barnett.

I'll still watch the thing, regardless of who faces Fedor. But anyone but Barnett will equal a disappointment.

 

[SHOGUN]

Nooooooooooooo!

 

[CrimsonGhost56]

well that blows big time. i think belfort and especially lashley would get wrecked bad.. maybe rogers or werdum? but regardless ... RIP Affliction

 

[Steel Mamba]

I think people have been over-ratin Rogers a bit, dudes not ready for Fedor. Whoever they get the hype is definitely just about gone for me now, the rest of the card is still solid, but it just seems kinda unprofessional and a slap job throwing a fight together 11 days before the event.

 

[BigBiss]

Call Tank Abbott

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

Call Tank Abbott

That would actually do better business than Belfort.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


By Dave Meltzer

Sherdog.com in an article by Loretta Hunt has just reported that Josh Barnett would not be licensed by the California State Athletic Commission for his scheduled 8/1 match with Fedor Emelianenko on the Affliction show at the Honda Center.

The story said that Barnett failed a random unannounced drug test. Barnett confirmed that he had taken a random drug test three weeks ago, but claimed he had not been told the results.

Barnett failed a test for steroids in 2002 after beating Randy Couture to win the UFC heavyweight championship. He never fought for the promotion again, and instead signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

The story said that Fedor Emelianenko would choose between Bobby Lashley or Vitor Belfort as his opponent, however Lashley was quoted in the story saying he didn't know if he would want the fight, noting that he hasn't been training hard since his win a few weeks ago against Bob Sapp, and the fight is only 11 days away.

"That fight is next week," he said. "That would be something I would really have to take a look at. To just jump in ther probably wouldn't be the smartest thing for me right now. A lot of people would say that might be a money fight. They figure, `If we give him enough money, will he do it?' That's what people tend to look at. I don't want to get into fighting for the money so much right now."

Fedor vs. Lashley (4-0) would garner huge curiosity regarding the show itself. It's a no-lose situation for Lashley, who would not be expected to do well and even lasting a round would be seen as a huge victory in his short career. But Lashley's handlers and Lashley himself have taken a slow route, taking fights with people he would be expected to beat while learning the game. Lashley, aside from being a strong wrestler, is essentially a rookie at every other aspect of the MMA game.

Belfort has agreed to take the fight. He had been training for a fight at 185 pounds against Jorge Santiago. The fight wouldn't garner the general public interest, but Belfort does posses good hand speed and knockout power. He'd be a huge underdog, and would be giving up size and weight, but would have a punchers' chance.

Earlier today, rumors had surfaced a huge story, described as nuclear, was going to break regarding the California State Athletic Commission and the Affliction show.

"A comprehensive statement regarding this matter is set to be released tomorrow," stated Assistant Executive Officer Bill Douglas.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's gonna be Belfort.

 

[RosettaStoned]

I don't care to see Fedor/Belfort.

 

[BigBiss]

Can they get Kimo?

 

[Liquidrob]

god damn barnett, atleast fail after you lose, not before

actually, this only really sucks for the hardcore fans, I dont think it will affect the buys that much

Like W2B said before, Barnett is not a draw, this was all about Fedor anyway, just sucks that we will probably se him fight Vitor, its not an awful fight, but Barnett was a great fight

Now they have to get a different 185er for Jorge to fight, what a mess

 

[Liquidrob]

with that being said, I think this was going to be Afflictions last show anyway, to bad they couldnt go out with a great fight instead of this mess

 

[EmpireWF]

This sucks for Barnett, wonder who he'll blame this time. Does he go back to Japan now?

Fedor vs. Belfort is underwhelming but we better not see a 185er upset him.

 

[Liquidrob]

Affliction needs to call up the only 2 men that can save the day

Ken and Tito

 

[BigBiss]

wonder why they cant hold it as a exhibition

 

[Liquidrob]

 

[KINGOFOOTBALL]

Still worth the money Rob ??


I cant imagine the aftershocks of Lashley going in and beating Fedor on 11 days notice.
A Vitor win would be the single most ridiculous moment in MMA. Every Vitor fan there ever was will rise up and say "I TOLD YA SO WAR VITOR!!".

IMO Fedor beating Barnett solidifies his legacy regardless of what happened thereafter. An almost impossible legacy to top if he did. Beating anyone but Barnett or Brick doesnt add to anything.

The real question is where will all the fighters go after this. Affliction's been underwhelming but now this ? Dont see how they survive.