From Sherdog.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
by (lhunt@sherdog.com)
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 a positive test result. Calls to Affliction Entertainment were not immediately returned. The CSAC said a comprehensive statement would be issued Wednesday.
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.
The only thing that comes to mind is steroids as he has been busted before. I honestly understand Mr. Barnett. If I was about to face that man I think I would do anything in my power to try and stay alive. A big thumbs up though for screwing Affliction like that, it just means that Fedor is running out of quality opponents outside of the UFC. I think Buentello should get the fight as he is the only replacement I see that will put on a good show. In the end I was not all that excited about this fight because I am 99.9% sure that Barnett would have gotten smashed. I will still be waiting for UFC103 which has two excellent matchups with BJ Penn facing Kenny Florian for the lightweight belt and Forrest Griffin attempting to end Anderson Silva’s ridiculous win streak.
UPDATE:
Affliction has chosen Vitor Belfort to step in and face Fedor. Great matchmaking Affliction! You just put a natural middleweight in the ring with a giant killer. In all fairness Fedor has always been a small heavyweight, but he has proven time and time again that he is up to the challenge of facing bigger guys. At least Vitor really has nothing to lose in this fight and I am sure they are going to compensate him well.
Gum Bumpers