Mixed martial arts star and professional wrestler Josh Barnett (24-5) has tested positive for steroids and has been removed from the biggest fight of his life, the main event of Affliction: Trilogy, where he was scheduled to fight Fedor Emlianenko (30-1) at Honda Center in Anaheim on August 1.
Barnett, a former heavyweight champ, was denied a license today to fight on the heavily promoted August MMA card after a June 25 test came back positive for 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one, the anabolic steroid Drostanolone. The California State Athletic Commission acted immediately after getting word on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old fighter, nicknamed The Baby Face Assassin, has the option to appeal. The test was conducted at the World Anti-Doping Agency at UCLA.
Barnett also failed a post-fight drug test in 2002 and had his license suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. At that hearing he denied using performance-enhancing drugs and then went to Japan to fight during his suspension. He may well have to do the same again because a second offense may well end his career in the U.S.
Affliction Entertainment VP Tom Atencio is reportedly negotiating to find a replacement for Barnett on the main event card. Names being tossed around include Vitor Belfort, Bobby Lashley and Brett Rogers.
David Thornton, executive director of the California State Athletic Commission said, “Our primary concern is the health and safety of fighters. Anabolic agents and other banned substances put the users of those agents at risk, as well as their opponents. The commission simply will not tolerate their use.
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Affliction: Trilogy promo video