No one can deny that “The Babyfaced Assassin” Josh Barnett is one of the most polarizing figures in mixed martial arts today. He’s either beloved or hated, depending on whom you talk to, but the important thing is that he’s always being talked about, regardless. A lighting rod for attention, his skill set, his look, and his approach to fighting set him aside as a unique combat competitor. “I fight for the sake of fighting, and not anything else,” he says. “I go out there to win, and win dominantly and impressively. I figure that if I go to a decision, even if I win, I’ve failed at my job.” This type of attitude has lead Barnett to a top-ten ranking, and has gained him entrance into the conversation of who is the best heavyweight in the game today.
Sporting an exemplary 29-5 record, Barnett has competed with and defeated some of the best in MMA. Competitors such as Dan Severn, Randy “The Natural” Couture, Semmy Schilt, Aleksander Emelianenko, Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera, Hidehiko Yoshida, Jeff Monson, Pedro Rizza, and Gilbert Yvel have all gone down in defeat to him throughout the course of Barnett’s career. Currently riding a six-fight winning streak, “The Babyfaced Assassin” is a proprietor of what is called “catch wrestling.” How does his describe this style of fighting? “Jiu-jitsu translates to the gentle art. Catch wrestling would be considered the violent art.”
Another element of Barnett that makes him unique is his involvement in pro wrestling. A huge star of the sport over in Japan, where it’s called puroresu, Barnett has taken well to the stiff style that is utilized in the Land of the Rising Sun. Though he hasn’t participated in pro wrestling here in the States due to his desire to focus on fighting, “The Babyfaced Assassin” feels confident that he will still be taken seriously if he ever does decide to step into the squared circle. “For one, I’ve got the background and history in this sport that would help me with that aspect. To me it really depends on how you carry yourself. If I’m out there working in the ring for professional wrestling, or going into the cage for, I’m going to bring all that’s necessary to the table and do the best that’s possible. There won’t be any confusion as to what kind of person I am when I get into that cage to go and fight somebody. If anything, I think it would work symbiotically to actually give the fans more face time with me and more entertainment.”
Though an American through and through, Barnett has only fought twice in the States since 2002. Coupled with his involvement in pro wrestling overseas, it’s obvious to see why he is a bigger star in Japan than he is in America. But he expects that to change soon, now that he’s signed with STRIKEFORCE. Now with his new promotion, Barnett joins a heavyweight division that boasts some of the best in the world. How does he feel he matches up with fighters like Fedor Emelianenko, Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, and others? “When it comes to most people I fight, I bring a very well-rounded skill set that I feel most people can’t really compete with,” explains Barnett. “But also, I think that my tenacity, my viciousness, and my experience in being in this sport for fourteen years give me a distinct advantage.”
And how does Josh Barnett expect to use that advantage? “[I want to] beat the crap out of every single person I possibly can. If I do that, everything else will fall at my feet. There won’t be anybody left to stop me from taking what I want.”
