Affliction Day Of Reckoning Preview: Who Is Gilbert Yvel?

There are some who say that Gilbert Yvel shouldn't be fighting this Saturday night against Josh Barnett. There are others who say Yvel deserves another chance at resuming his controversial career.

And then, there are others who ask, "Who is Gilbert Yvel?"

The 32-year-old Dutch national is set to take on Barnett this Saturday at Affliction's Day of Reckoning event, that is if he can get the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) to approve his fighter's license.

One might think that fighters and organizations would have these types of things resolved more than a week before a major event, but Yvel isn't an ordinary fighter and Affliction isn't an ordinary organization by booking Yvel against such a high-profile opponent.

The 35-12-1 Yvel has indisputable talent, but has struggled with issues of restraint and professionalism inside the ring. It began in May 1998 with a first-round disqualification loss to Karimula Barkalev for biting at an IAFC event.

Then at PRIDE 16 in September 2001, Yvel went old-school pro wrestling and raked opponent Don Frye's face and jabbed his thumb into his eye to prevent takedowns.

It got worse as Yvel shoved referee Yuji Shimada in the head after receiving a yellow card, among other signs of disrespect. Again, he was DQ'd in the first round.

But it didn't end there. After three years with no problems, Yvel was in a bout against Atte Backman in November 2004 and decided to knock the referee down and then kick him while he was down.

Again, he was DQ'd, but again, he was given a chance to fight and has an 8-2 mark since that last incident.

There is no doubt he has talent and has been matched up against current UFC talents like Cheick Kongo, Dan Henderson, Jeremy Horn, and Wanderlei Silva.

Since '04, Yvel has had no incidents but there is precedent for long periods of dormancy before the dark side reveals itself again, which is why it's concerning to some that he's getting another shot with a major organization. (He has never fought in the UFC.)

Affliction VP Tom Atencio has made a point to defend Yvel and his right to fight, assuring the press that he will be licensed and fully okay to go Saturday.

But until the announcement is official, there is a lot of doubt as to whether Yvel will be part of the Affliction event, and even if he does, what his long-term future with the group is.

He is definitely hot, winning his last seven fights, six of those by TKO or KO. Atencio is hoping that his faith in Yvel isn't knocked out as well.

More on that Barnett guy Yvel is scheduled to fight tomorrow.

Josh Nason - josh [at] ropesringandcage [dot com] - has published MMA, wrestling and boxing blog Ropes, Ring and Cage.com since 2007. If you are using any content or recapping from this site, please include a link to www.ropesringandcage.com. Thank you for your support!