Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett Returns To UFC With Multi-Fight Deal

Josh Barnett’s fight career has been in a sort of limbo after the demise of Strikeforce. After initial negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship couldn’t be agreed upon, the MMA world was left wondering what’s next for “The Warmaster”.

However, USA Today Sports/MMA Junkie has confirmed Tuesday with promotion officials that the former UFC heavyweight champion has inked a multi-fight deal, with a debut in the works for later this year.

Barnett’s last appearance in the Octagon took place over 11 years ago when he beat Hall of Famer Randy Couture to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 36. Barnett was later stripped of the title when he tested positive for banned substances.

Barnett is 32-6 in his MMA career, winning 9 of his last 10. He is a top ten ranked Heavyweight in nearly all major media rankings. His last loss was a five round decision to Daniel Cormier in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Finals. Barnett posted wins over Brett Rogers and Sergei Kharitonov before losing to the undefeated Cormier.

Having lingered at the top of the Heavyweight talent pool for most of his career, Barnett is finally back where he belongs; the UFC.

So, who would you like to see welcome Barnett back to the Octagon?