Affliction: Trilogy Main Event in Danger - Josh Barnett out, Vitor Belfort in?
by The Legend on Jul 22, 2009 8:52 AM EDT
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This Fan Post was promoted to the front page by Nick Thomas.
According to Sherdog.com:
Multiple sources have told Sherdog.com that the California State Athletic Commission will not license Josh Barnett after a positive test result. Calls to Affliction Entertainment were not immediately returned. The CSAC said a comprehensive statement would be issued Wednesday.
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. One source told Sherdog.com that Emelianenko will have the opportunity to choose between Belfort and Bobby Lashley. Lashley has denied knowing anything about replacing Barnett, though.
... "To just jump in there probably wouldn't be the smartest thing for me right now." said Lashley.
The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Bloody Elbow readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bloody Elbow editors or staff.
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Crosses fingers for Lashley, who he will bet five dollars on at +15000.
"The reason a rabbit outruns a fox is because the rabbit is running for his life and the fox is running for his dinner."
by Blackout612 on Jul 22, 2009 1:21 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+15000=Jokes.
"The reason a rabbit outruns a fox is because the rabbit is running for his life and the fox is running for his dinner."
by Blackout612 on Jul 22, 2009 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
At least Lashley is the right weight division.
"Like a ballet of violence clothed in fine Brazilian silk." ~ MMASuPreMaCy
That’s never stopped Fedor before (Babalu, Arona, Lindland)
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Kevin Randleman…
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Affliction is dead. Barnett tried to do the same thing he did against Randy. Dumbass. Can we just end this organization and let UFC and Strikeforce pick the pieces
"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar
And then signed with the UFC?
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, and he signs it on Dana’s back in the middle of that stupid fucking ring.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The stream of nonsense that would flow o.ut of Dana’s mouth would be hysterical
by Phildo on Jul 22, 2009 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
CSAC strike again. A test taken 3 weeks previously only now comes to light. Good to see they cleaned up their act.
"Like a ballet of violence clothed in fine Brazilian silk." ~ MMASuPreMaCy
Technically it would be Josh Barnett striking again, as this is not the first time he tested positive for something. He is the person to blame, if one is to look at who is at fault.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 22, 2009 2:49 AM EDT up reply actions
but still, CSAC taking 3 weeks for the test results have their share of blame in fucking up this card.
"Like a ballet of violence clothed in fine Brazilian silk." ~ MMASuPreMaCy
It takes time to get medical tests done.
California is about to cut billions from schools and health care. I really don’t think they should be spending extra money to expedite medical tests for a fight.
by Phildo on Jul 22, 2009 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
Sadly, there’s only one allowed in any given thread.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
This is true.
However, since it takes time to get test results, wouldn’t it make sense to test fighters sooner, so that in the event that something like this happens, promotions that are putting needed $$$ into the Californian economy have a chance to at least try and save face with a decent replacement?
But if you test too far away from the point, what is the point in doing the test?
It’s a tricky thing, I don’t have all the answers, but I just wanted to say that the fact that it took 3 weeks for the test result to come out is completely irrelevant.
You’re more likely to catch dopers further out from the event.
Anyone with a brain (which may or may not be an apt description of Barnett) would be cycling off of whatever substance they were one if it’s a steroid at least a month out from the event.
Testing even 7 or 8 weeks prior to the event would be a better opportunity to catch cheaters and still give a promotion time to fix up their card.
It’s a dumb policy though. how mnay people besides the UFC have a fight card finalized 7 to 8 weeks out?
It isn’t the CSAC’s job to make sure that Affliction can recover if someone fails a test, it’s their job to test the fighters.
They’re not testing every single fighter on the card, I’m sure. They’re testing the headliners to ensure “a level competitive ground.”
In this case, the fight HAS been finalized for months, so is it unreasonable to think they could have tested more than 4 1/2 weeks out?
I realize that it’s not the CSAC’s job to make sure the Affliction card goes on, but doesn’t common sense say that it’s in their best interest to do their business in such a way that the promotions who are paying them licensing fees can actually put on shows and pay those fees.
Going from the tone of Attencio’s comments, it looks like the whole card might be jeopardy, which would be a death blow to the promotion.
I’m still not buying it.
random should be random. Random should not mean the day of. Random should not mean “only the main event fighters far enough out from the fight to make sure the event can still happen if someone tests negative.”
Common sense says that the best way to catch drug users is random tests, common sense sense the CSAC shouldn’t care about the after effects of a positive test, they just need to make sure that person doesn’t fight.
We seem to have slightly different common senses.
I’m AOK with random testing, I’m AOK with testing well out from a fight.
If I’m a promotion though, I’m hesitant to schedule fights in a state where the athletic commission cares so little about said promotion that they schedule tests so that results come in less than two weeks before a show.
Of course, the solve to all this is for fighters not to cheat in the first place. I’m just saying that the commission might want to consider being a bit more professional about it in the future.
Plus, knowing that the consequences of cheating is not only a suspension, but being blacklisted by your promoter provides even greater incentive not to cheat.
And this gives the incentives for promoters to institute their own testing procedures, so that they aren’t blindsided by an inopportune positive result.
the Affliction show will bring in a LOT more revenue for California than it costs to expedite a drug test.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
by thetakeover on Jul 22, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
did Strikeforce find an opponent for Werdum yet? I imagine if Affliction is desperate enough, they’d send a boat load of t-shirt money to Strikeforce if they pimped him out.
Fedor, Werdum have no opponents. Hmmm.
Other Candidates
Lashley
Belfort
Brett Rogers (prob. No)
Babalu
Mousasi
The report was updated and Lashley said he hasn’t been training so he isn’t sure if he would take the fight and he hasn’t heard about Barnett being dropped. I would be down to see any of the other fights you listed although aren’t Mousasi and Fedor friends? So I wonder if they would fight each other.
fightlockdown.com
I don’t think they’d want to pull in either babalu or Mousasi and have to find a replacement for that fight. Rogers would be interesting, but I don’t think he had a fight set any time soon, so he’s probably not been training.
Jeff Monson is always fighting somewhere, he fights like 15 times a year. He probably would be fighting someone that night anyway.
Yahoo News (Iole)
Heavyweight contender Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic has signed a three- fight contract extension with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC president Dana White said on Monday.
Mousasi anyone??
This to me is the only relatively appealing opponent after Barnett. Sorry, not interested in Fedor-Belfort at all. I think Mousasi is more prepared for a fight like this and probably has the best chance of pulling off a possible upset.
Mousasi and Fedor are friends and train together?
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
Mousasi already stated he wouldn’t. At least not right now.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 22, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions
How the hell is Mousasi an appealing fight?
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
Ok, I admit...
I was ignorant to the training partner fact, but why do you think this match-up would be unappealing? I thought that Mousasi would put up a really good fight (potentially lasting into championship rounds). I don’t think Belfort gets out of the first round. Just my opinion…
Since Kimo is still alive and he’s gotten all this free press, I think he would be a logical choice!
by Rusty Trombone on Jul 22, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
This sets up a hot match up between Barnett and Aleksander Emelianenko for Affliction 4: Unlicensed.
by Jahbulon on Jul 22, 2009 1:50 AM EDT reply actions 13 recs
Live from Alabama!
Some people might say that winning a fight makes you a better fighter but I don’t agree with that.- BlueberryMuffin
Probably the smartest thing said here.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions
If this turns out to be true, then Barnett will have tested positive for his two biggest fights.
And if that’s the case, then fuck Josh Barnett.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:04 AM EDT reply actions
Well yeah.
But it might not be his fault! I heard he was trying to pull a Lyoto Machida and accidentally drank Brock’s urine. :-)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
Lashley probably won't take the match
He’s been pretty adamant about building his career slowly, stepping up to Fedro doesn’t fit that. Werdum would be good.
Also, lol at Barnett not wanting to be defined by testing positive for steroids.
Vote for Fedro.
www.twitter.com/johpin
by Johpin on Jul 22, 2009 4:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fedor vs. Penn is a ridiculous fight. That’s like BJ fighting…. Well, Kenny Florian, actually.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on Jul 22, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that was so not funny
"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2008
by lovingmma25 on Jul 22, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously you’re doubting the power of the great Ken-flo. He can jump out of a swimming pool with one leg behind his head.
I think he has a better chance of doing that than beating BJ. :-)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
This card might not even happen if this is true
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:08 AM EDT reply actions
A story from Loretta Hunt, citing “unnamed sources” and written about California State Athletic Commission on the evening after a big MMA hoax… seems credible to me!
Dude, I hope you're right
I was looking forward to this fight.
One cannot, however, dismiss the possibility of Josh Barnett doing steroids before a title fight.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:25 AM EDT up reply actions
This might all blow over but there is a huge difference between front page at Sherdog and something posted on the UG forum that a bunch of sites ran with.
by who me on Jul 22, 2009 6:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
FUCK ME! why is this happening????
I have waited wayyy too long to watch this fight damn it!!!
seriously if this turns out to be true then Barnett will no longer one of my favorite fighters.
Jeff Monson sounds pretty good against Fedor.
Even if Fedor beats Vitor or Lashely, he’ll be the one receiving criticisms and ending up as a laughing stock including bitchy DANA.
You have to beat the legend, in order to become the LEGEND
-Melvin Manhoef (after his destruction of Sakuraba)
It's happening...
…because Josh is a slimeball.
(If true.)
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
As much as Lashley would be a decent replacement for Barnett, it is not acceptable.
1. Lashley will likely be out of shape.
2. This is beyond a huge step up in competition. He hasn’t even fought a Top 20 guy, and now he fights the #1 guy in the world?
I can smell PPV Buys going into the crapper after this one.
It's lose-lose if it's Lashley
If Fedor wins, he’s beaten a former pro wrestler that Lesnar would absolutely maul, and if he loses? Christ.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions
You are correct. And yet, this seems like their best option. I have to laugh at the people who think this is some sort of draw. Lashley is not that well known right now. If he got in the UFC and got a push, he has great potential to being a star, but not right now.
This hurts their PPV buy rates, which Affliction could not afford.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 22, 2009 2:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Werdum's the best option given Overeem had to drop out
But hey if they want PPV buys bring in Kimo
Food goes in here
Am I the only one that thinks Fedor/Vitor would be more intriguing than Fedor/Barnett? Maybe I’m going crazy.
You are one of the few. Belfort is a Middleweight. Fedor is a Heavyweight.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 22, 2009 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Vitor is also a washed up middleweight that was only really interesting in 1997.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
I dont know. It sounds crazy but I think Belfort has just as good of a chance as Barnett. It seems like Fedor does better against bigger guys where he can use his speed. That being said I dont think Vitor will beat him just saying he has as good a chance as Josh.
by xbuckeyex05 on Jul 22, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like #JoshBarnett is out of #Fedor fight. Vitor Belfort being asked to step in. Details trickling in..
.
Expecting an official statement on #JoshBarnett and #Fedor situation from the CSAC on Wednesday. That doesn’t sound good…
—mmaweekly’s twitter account.
Wow, so more confirmation. Barnett screwed Barnett.
Belfort vs. Fedor has very little interest for me. They are 2 weight classes apart.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 22, 2009 3:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Additional sources told MMAWeekly.com that while middleweight Belfort had agreed in principle to step up two weight classes to face Emelianenko, he had not yet fully committed to the fight and was weighing his options Tuesday evening. However, the search for a potential replacement for Belfort is also underway.
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 22, 2009 3:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Is Zuluzhino doing anything?
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
by Derek Suboticki on Jul 22, 2009 3:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know but
Seth Pethruzelli should replace josh. haha.
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 22, 2009 3:31 AM EDT up reply actions
how about aoki
since joe stevenson isn’t available. :-0
seth being a late replacement on a the last show of a dying promotion would be kinda ironic i think..
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 22, 2009 4:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate this idea. I understand why it is happening, but I hate it.
Belfort vs. Santiago was about as good of a Middleweight Fight as we could get outside of the UFC. There is no way they can get somebody to replace Belfort which would make that fight even remotely interesting.
And Belfort/Fedor is garbage. I hate to feed Dana White’s big mouth, but this gives him even more ammunition to bash Fedor with. If this fight goes through, Fedor will have fought in his last 5 fights: 2 Middleweights, 1 Freakshow, and two solid contenders. A little too soft of a schedule.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 22, 2009 3:31 AM EDT up reply actions
At least Lashley is a legit Heavyweight.
Just imagine how much crap Dana White would get if he booked Brock Lesnar vs. Nathan Marquardt. Fedor/Belfort is the equivalent of that.
by AlwaysRelaxing on Jul 22, 2009 3:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Except that Marquardt is ranked #2 in the BE metarankings and Vitor is evidently bribing people or getting them high to be at #9.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
barnett didnt have much of a chance anyways so lets get someone else in there who might have a shot at beating fedor
There aint anyone else outside the UFC who has a shot that they can bring in.
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 22, 2009 5:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Josh Barnett has looked like shit everytime he has to take a drug test and passed… to all the people that think drug tests make little or no difference – wake the fuck up.
Just being able to take pain killers before a fight changes the entire dynamic of the match.
Here’s to all the fanboys… err I mean “journalists” who ranked this fucktard #2.
by mmalogic on Jul 22, 2009 5:03 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Oh and LOL at affliction… Dumb fucks want to play and fuck with contracted fighters.
Belfort and Lashley want 7 figures for this fight – so not only is affliction losing on ticket sales and ppv but they wont be saving much with the replacement. Most ad buys have been committed to by now – oh the agony :)
by mmalogic on Jul 22, 2009 5:06 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
well all of fedor's opponents in affliction got paid almost 7 figures anyway..
but damn, if they were planning to have a fourth show before this.. those plans are surely shot now..
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 22, 2009 5:20 AM EDT up reply actions
well all of fedor's opponents in affliction got paid almost 7 figures anyway..
but damn, if they were planning to have a fourth show before this.. those plans are surely shot now..
by Anton Tabuena on Jul 22, 2009 5:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Not much else they can do though
Barnett slipped it into their anus with little or no lube. Big time.
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 22, 2009 5:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Flussssshhhhhh*
*Listening to the sound of Barnett’s career….
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 22, 2009 5:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Brock Lesnar?
Some people might say that winning a fight makes you a better fighter but I don’t agree with that.- BlueberryMuffin
by ufc4 on Jul 22, 2009 8:45 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Not shocked
Anyone really surprised? The only great win in his whole career got marred by drug test too. Guess someone finally explained to him that the only reason he’s even in the top 10 is because he’s fighting Fedor.
Interesting how people get booted for drugs in the US… go over and have a lot of success sin Japan (where testing standards are a lot more lax) then head back to the states and pop hot again…
If either of those two beat Fedor… wow.
by ryanwk628
There goes Vitors comeback….
by ABS363
What. The. F*ck. Barnett…if you seriously failed this test, then that whole time from Randy till Fedor, will be tainted.
Ugh.
by kyfm621
If this is true, f*ck Barnett
by Sergio Hernandez
waiting to see if this gets confirmed. y’know, by something other than anonymous sources.
if Barnett did indeed fail the drug test, he’s a moron.
by bobthewriter
Fedor should pull out of the fight. It’s too risky fighting either of the guys that’s being offered up. It’s unlikely he’ll lose, but if he does it could have serious consequences for his legacy and future payouts.
by cmsove
PPV sales just dropped from about 75,000 to a BoDogish 20,000. Affliction, I enjoyed your PPVs but now it’s time to go. Goodbye T-Shirt Guys, hello Fedor in the UFC.
by ronniebonnie
The sad thing is… that Fedor v Belfort somehow seem so much more exciting to me.
I think Belfort seems just much more threatening than Barnett. I don’t think either have much of a chance of beating Fedor, but I think Belfort’s puncher chance is much more dangerous than Barnett’s.
by Razreshat
When the words "Loretta Hunt, unnamed sources and CSAC" are involved, I’ll wait until more of the story comes out. It certainly looks like something is up, and hopefully we’ll find out what the deal is today.
These multiple unnamed sources also originally said that Lashley had agreed to the fight, but he’s already come out and said he won’t be.
I have little interest in Belfort vs Fedor. A man too small for 205lbs moves down a division, becomes relevant for the first time in 5 years, and then jumps up to heavyweight to get murdered? His only advantage is speed, but we’re not talking about the 100m sprint here.
by McEwen
Could you imagine if Lashey could just overpower and Lay and pray his way to a win we would see lashley lesnar real soon. Gross
by jks9202
Fedor vs. Vitor really doesn’t intrigue me. Considering the fact that Vitor will have a weight disadvantage against Fedor isn’t a good idea for one… and two… I don’t care if his hands have suddenly become quick and explosive, Fedor is probably going to trounce Vitor.
Vitor vs. Santiago was the fight, a good fight. Push Werdum in against Fedor. Just do it already.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
But don’t we need time for the rankings to reflect Werdum’s new #2 status before he can fight Fedor?
Heh.
Honestly, both the Alistair injury and this Barnett rumor are going to ruin a couple of these events for me unless adequate replacements are found.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jul 22, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah, werdum seems like the most logical option
that way, after he loses, strikeforce can just do rogers/overeem like most people would rather see anyway.
How About This
Dana White should loan out Randy Couture. It’s going to be Affliction’s last event anyway…and I bet Affliction would give Dana White a truck of money for saving their hide at the last second. Might as well make Couture happy and give him the shot against Emelianenko he always wanted.
This would never happen in a million years, but it would be pretty great.
MMAMoneyLine
This would be epic
But Randy would not be half as good in a ring. When he lost, it would again devalue the UFC hw division, and he has a no.1 contnders match with Nog in a month
by Well Read Idiot on Jul 22, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
WFA, Elite XC , hello Affliction
The last event in all of these promotions’s history all have one thing in common: a key t on their main card was screwed up by one of their fighters doing something stupid.
Kimo, Shamrock and now Barnett. Welcome o the family. What o you think D White’s first reaction when he read this??
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/ultmma
I wonder if NSAC are going to release a curse laden tirade on youtube directed at Loretta Hunt for writing a story based on anonymous sources?
Oh, and Werdum would have to be the best replacement wouldnt he? I mean. Barnett out and Overeem out. It fits perfectly without having to arrange another opponent for Santiago or putting Fedor in a lose/lose against Lashley.
You mean CSAC.
And I think that Bret Rogers is a better choice, coming off the Arlovski win. Plus, the exposure of calling out Kimbo, and fighting on CBS means a few more buys from somewhat casual fans.
Back up a truckload of money to Tito ortiz… He’s said recently that fighting fedor is something he’s wanted to do, and since fedor is a small hw, it’s not like there’s a huge weight difference.
by kanodogg on Jul 22, 2009 10:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Well that’s pretty shitey news. Way to go Josh. (golf clap)
I vote for Monson vs. Fedor. Just because the dudes been clamouring for the fight since he was in the womb.
"Japan panics about the rise of "grass-eating men," who shun sex, don’t spend money, and like taking walks."
Did they all get married?
- Ubernoober
It’s too bad he hasn’t gotten any taller since then or he might stand a chance.
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
You guys are missing the biggest question.
In the EA MMA game, if we pick Barnett do we get to skip training and take pills to power level?
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