Josh Barnett Out! Trouble for Affliction

According to breaking news from Sherdog, Josh Barnett may not be able to compete, due to a failed drug test.

***Update*** It has been confirmed that Barnett will not compete at Affliction Trilogy.

This spells big trouble for Affliction.

There aren't a lot of big name heavyweights outside of the UFC that can legitimately fill the vacancy left by Barnett.

Finding a marketable match for Fedor Emelianenko is of the utmost importance to Affliction, as many have already speculated that Affliction needs big PPV numbers just to stay alive in the fight business.

Although Bobby Lashley was considered a possible replacement, according to Sherdog, he may not be interested in facing such a formidable opponent with such short notice.

According to Sherdog, Vitor Belfort is a possible replacement.  If this is who they are going to put in against Fedor, it might be a tough sell. Vitor only has an 18-8 record, and is currently fighting at middleweight.

Perhaps Vitor is the most recognizable name available, but given Vitor's much smaller size, I personally would much rather see Brett Rogers on the opposite end of the ring.

Rogers, who is coming of a shocking knockout win over Andrei Arlovski brings legitimate heavyweight size and an undefeated record. To me, Fedor vs. Rogers has a lot more intrigue than Fedor vs. Headcase Exhibit A.

***clarification****

For the record, Barnett is denying having taken banned substances, and says that he plans on clearing his name.