Affliction Day Of Reckoning Preview: Understanding Josh Barnett

If Josh Barnett was in the UFC during the boom period of the past few years, he would undoubtedly be one of the top five most popular and recognizable fighters in the organization.

But instead of being named among the Liddells, Coutures, and Shamrocks of the world, the youngest UFC heavyweight champion in history has been making a name for himself in the rings of Japan since 2003. This Saturday, Barnett returns stateside to battle Gilbert Yvel with the winner likely to receive a WAMMA title shot against the winner of Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski.

The 31-year-old 'Baby Faced Assassin' left the U.S. fighting scene following a positive test for the anabolic steroid Boldenone, months after defeating Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight title via second round TKO. Barnett was 10-1 and on top of the world at the time, but following the positive test and suspension of his license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 2002, he went to the other bastion of fighting that welcomed him with open arms:  Japan.

Barnett (23-5) began competing in pro wrestling with New Japan Pro Wrestling in addition to Pancrase, winning their Open Weight Grand Prix title in August of 2003, joining only Frank Shamrock and Bas Rutten as the only two men to win both UFC and Pancrase titles. Despite not winning any major gold after Pancrase, Barnett has stayed ahead of the winning curve against top competition.

Despite an 0-3 mark against Mirko Cro Cop, Barnett has career wins over Aleksander Emelianenko, 'Minotauro' Nogueira, former K-1 champion Mark Hunt and Jeff Monson with most of the fights coming in PRIDE. He joined Affliction for their first event last July, knocking out Pedro Rizzo in the second round.

So why isn't a young, marketable, former UFC champion that can cut promos fighting in the Octagon? Look no further than his strained relationship with UFC President Dana White, as the two continue to throw public jabs at each other while also not completely ruling out working with each together again. It's both a strange and strained relationship between Barnett and White, who probably fit more in the "familiarity breeds contempt" category than anything else.

Completely U.S. licensed and on a three-game win streak, the entertaining and charismatic Barnett is ready to entertain U.S. fight fans again with a match against the controversial and dangerous Yvel, a 35-12-1 striker that comes into the Honda Center on a seven-fight win streak. If Barnett can defeat Yvel, he is in line for a major money draw against either Fedor or Arlovski.

Saturday night could be a big step forward for both Affliction and Barnett if that happens.

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!