UFC 100

[Xno Kappa]

There's absolutely nothing to gain by putting him in against Belfort. I don't even understand Afflictions logic to begin with in the long-term scheme of things to do this. And yeah, I read about Bobby Lashley a couple of weeks back on how he wants to develop his skills and be a legitimate contender in the sport. Huge respect on that part.

[Brill Weave]

Lashley would have been obliterated this early in his career. So I definitely like the fact that he's taking his career seriously. But Affliction isn't doing themselves any favors by putting Vitor in there. The guy is giving away a large size advantage. He's taking the fight on extremely short notice. And what happens if by some miracle, he beats Fedor? Affliction is essentially marketed as Fedor's group. Losing to another heavyweight is infinitely more acceptable than losing to a vastly undersized light heavyweight.

[Dimmauk]

Affliction vice president Tom Atencio confirmed in an interview with MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday morning that Josh Barnett has been pulled from his main event match-up against Fedor Emelianenko due to an alleged positive test result for a banned substance from the California State Athletic Commission.

At this time, he would not speculate who the replacement fighter to face Emelianenko would be, but said that the promotion is working on it and hopes to announce something soon.

"Josh was denied his license, the renewal of his license, due to testing positive for a banned substance," Atencio said in the interview.

Bill Douglas, Assistant Executive Officer of CSAC, wrote in an email to MMAWeekly.com that a “comprehensive statement” regarding the matter would be released on Wednesday.

With the show just over a week away, rumors are already flying as to who Affliction could bring in to face the No. 1 heavyweight fighter in the world on short notice.

"Right now, it's rumors. I'm working on something and I think anybody that knows me knows I'm not going to say anything until I have something finalized," said Atencio. "At this point everything's rumors. I am working towards finding somebody, but until I have the contracts signed I'm not saying anything."

The fight between Fedor and Barnett was set to be a five-round title fight, but again, Atencio said it's a wait-and-see situation for the replacement fighter if the bout would end up as a championship bout or a three-round non-title affair.

"It's up to whomever steps up and whatever agreement we come to," he commented.

At this point the rumored fighters to step up and face Emelianenko have centered on middleweight fighter Vitor Belfort, and former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley, but the Affliction vice president didn't want to speculate if either could step in to the main event.

Belfort's name seems to be leading the way as to who could step up for the fight with Fedor, and when talking about the currently scheduled match-up between Belfort and American Top Team fighter Jorge Santiago, Atencio said, "It's definitely a fight I'm looking forward to, if anything changes, obviously everybody's going to find out. At this point, it's an amazing fight."

MMAWeekly.com sources on Tuesday night said that Belfort had agreed in principle to step up two weight classes to face Emelianenko, but maintained he had not yet fully committed to the fight and was still weighing his options.

Speaking with Sherdog.com late Tuesday night, Lashley said, “I don't know if I would want it right now... That would be something I would really have to take a look at. To just jump in there probably wouldn't be the smartest thing for me right now.”

One fighter whose name has popped up amidst the speculation is Brett Rogers, although he hasn’t been approached about the fight yet.

"The opportunity to fight Fedor on 10 days (notice) is something that Brett would entertain," his agent, Ken Pavia told MMAWeekly.com. "A lot of stars would have to align, but it is not beyond the realm of possibilities."

Rogers, who has an undefeated 10-0 record, is fresh off a 22-second knockout win over former UFC heavyweight titleholder Andrei Arlovski. Emelianenko is 30-1 and unanimously regarded at the No. 1 ranked heavyweight in the world. He is also coming off a knockout victory of Arlovski.

Stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com for more information on Barnett's replacement as it becomes available.

(Steven Marrocco and Jeff Cain contributed to this report.)

[tyven]

vitor belfort gonna beat that ass

then hes gonna beat the spider's ass

then hes gonna wake up

[Brill Weave]

I disagree. Yeah, I went there.

[tyven]

i completely forgot that overeem vs werdum is off as well. this was gonna be a great summer for the heavy weight fights and now its traaaaaaash. what a shitty division

[archibaldcrane]

i completely forgot that overeem vs werdum is off as well.

It is? Goddamnit.

They should make Buentello fight Fedor if they can't get Brett Rodgers. Let Belfort or Lashley embarrass Yvel instead.

This whole thing is so fucking disgusting. I bet Dana White is masturbating furiously right now.

[tyven]

kimbo vs fedor lets do it

[donnie]

On today's Affliction: Trilogy conference call, Tom Atencio said "this has been a complete surprise to us. If the results (of Barnett's test) stand, we are deeply disappointed."

Beau Dure asked if Josh Barnett's test could be overturned. It was Atencio's understanding that the CSAC had taken two samples and are now testing the second sample provided at the initial testing.

Franklin McNeil asked if Vitor Belfort would be fighting Fedor. Atencio answered that until he had signed contracts in hand he would not be making any announcements.

Michael David Smith asked if it was difficult or easy to get an opponent to sign to fight Fedor and if Fedor and his management were going to exercise a veto on potential opponents. Atencio said Fedor is ready to fight anyone and that it is not a problem to find an opponent, but they are looking for the BEST possible opponent.

Mike Straka asked if they were talking to other organizations about bringing in outside fighters. Atencio said that he had been talking to Strikeforce but that there had been no discussions with the UFC.

Adam Wagner asked if Josh Barnett's second sample comes back positive, how will that affect your relationship with him? Atencio said it won't impact the relationship but it will be "something that will be on Josh" and that the real meaning will be that "he won't be able to fight in my organization anymore."

Denny Burkholder asked if Josh Barnett is cleared by the second test if he would still fight. Atencio said that is up to the CSAC and that his understanding that if Barnett is cleared that it is a very real possibility that the Fedor vs Barnett fight could go on.

Ariel Helwani asked what banned substance Barnett tested positive for. Atencio does not know.

Todd Martin asked if there had been any advance warning that there might be a problem with Josh's test results. Atencio said no, that yesterday was the first indication he had gotten that there might be a problem.

Michael David Smith asked how Atencio balances between the best PPV draw (Bobby Lashley) and the better sporting opponent (Fabricio Werdum). Atencio says he takes everything into account but that his emphasis is on putting on quality fights. "Look at the card. Affliction puts on quality cards and our priority is putting on the best event for the fans."

P.S: should rename the title from UFC 100 to "MMA" , since it seems we will keep posting in this thread for all MMA related events

[Pabst]

The Fight Network

Take this with a grain of salt though. Saw it on sherdog. Brett rogers, Werdum, Miniwaman. Hell even that Yoshihiro Takayama guy are more suitable replacements then Vitor :< I like me some Vitor, don't want to see him lose. If it's true.. here's hoping he marvin eastmens Fedor

[donnie]

i am calling lie, since they said its official 3hrs before affliction conference whom which said they are still talking to 3 possible fighters.

I really don't think they end up getting belfort to fight him cause its stupid and will ruin the whole card.

[Blarg]

I think vitor is considered is because he stated publicly that he wanted to fight fedor after vitor beat lindland so there is a bit of history there to work off of. That and he has more of a name with the hardcore crowd who still talk about old vitor who used to be be a heavyweight I think. I would rather seen werdum or rogers though. Or, maybe the true #1 heavyweight ray mercer!

[Dimmauk]

I think vitor is considered is because he stated publicly that he wanted to fight fedor after vitor beat lindland so there is a bit of history there to work off of. That and he has more of a name with the hardcore crowd who still talk about old vitor who used to be be a heavyweight I think. I would rather seen werdum or rogers though. Or, maybe the true #1 heavyweight ray mercer!

Yeah anytime you beat a former UFC champ, you automatically matter. LOL

[Brill Weave]

This whole thing is so fucking disgusting. I bet Dana White is masturbating furiously right now.

Without a freaking doubt. Biggest competitor fucked up right before a PPV? He's cutting a hole in the wall so he can fuck it. That's how excited White is lol.

[noblemountain]

i am calling lie, since they said its official 3hrs before affliction conference whom which said they are still talking to 3 possible fighters.

I really don't think they end up getting belfort to fight him cause its stupid and will ruin the whole card.

A friend of mine who trains at Xtreme Couture is saying that it's on. He said that Belfort has been training with heavy guys only since the announcement and that everyone is really excited for him.

[Dimmauk]

Josh Barnett tested positive for Drostanolone, an anabolic steroid
by Zak Woods on Jul 22, 2009 5:07 PM EDT

Today the California State Athletic Commission released a statement surrounding Josh Barnett's reported "positive test."

Barnett's June 25 drug test came back positive for 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one, an anabolic steroid. CSAC learned of the results July 21 and immediately denied a license for Barnett. CSAC also informed the promoter of Barnett's August 1 bout against Fedor Emelianenko that the bout would not be approved.

"The license of Josh Barnett was denied pursuant to rule 303 of Title IV of the California Code of Regulations," said CSAC Interim Executive Officer Dave Thornton. "That rule prohibits the use of certain substances, including anabolic agents, by any boxer or MMA fighte

Drostanolone is traded under the common name of Masteron. This is the same drug that Hermes Franca tested postive for against Sean Sherk at UFC 73.

Drostanolone propionate is used in treatment of breast cance

[Xno Kappa]

I think vitor is considered is because he stated publicly that he wanted to fight fedor after vitor beat lindland so there is a bit of history there to work off of. That and he has more of a name with the hardcore crowd who still talk about old vitor who used to be be a heavyweight I think. I would rather seen werdum or rogers though. Or, maybe the true #1 heavyweight ray mercer!

Screw that, Don Frye ftw. Porn stache > all.

EDIT: Vitor's camp is saying they've been training him with bigger guys since they heard the update. I'd take this info with a grain of salt imo.

[donnie]

man that sux. if this happen this the card will be from this:

#1st HW VS #2nd in the world
Dream champion VS strikeforce champion
Sengoku champion ( santiago) VS vitor Belfort

now its:

#1st HW VS a MW belfort (who although can make HW , he is training as MW so meh)
Dream champion VS strikeforce champion ( thank god its still on, this should be the main event now lol)
Sengoku champion ( santiago) VS IDK ( can they make gomi fight him? it might generate interest)

but yea its messed up, I would say through someone else to fedor beause beating vitor wont matter at all, so in that case anyone who you put on him wont matter.

[Brill Weave]

The problem is if they don't line up Vitor for the fight he's essentially fucked himself over by gaining weight. He's trying to push it up to 210-215 over the weekend. If Atencio decides to go another route, Vitor is fucked. This is a massive mistake for a fledgling promotion to make. You've already lost the two of the big name fights on your card. By not naming a replacement for Barnett, they have the potential to lose a 3rd big name for the night. This is not something that Affliction can afford to do. As it stands Fedor fights what, two maybe three times a year? You can't waste those fights. He needs a bigger name opponent and they need to get him one now.

I'm not saying Vitor would be a bad opponent. I think he will put everything he has into the fight. What I am saying is that if they want Vitor to fight Fedor they need to announce it immediately so he can be fully prepared along with Fedor. This mystery opponent shit doesn't fly with the paying public.

[Blarg]

The problem is if they don't line up Vitor for the fight he's essentially fucked himself over by gaining weight. He's trying to push it up to 210-215 over the weekend. If Atencio decides to go another route, Vitor is fucked. This is a massive mistake for a fledgling promotion to make. You've already lost the two of the big name fights on your card. By not naming a replacement for Barnett, they have the potential to lose a 3rd big name for the night. This is not something that Affliction can afford to do. As it stands Fedor fights what, two maybe three times a year? You can't waste those fights. He needs a bigger name opponent and they need to get him one now.

I'm not saying Vitor would be a bad opponent. I think he will put everything he has into the fight. What I am saying is that if they want Vitor to fight Fedor they need to announce it immediately so he can be fully prepared along with Fedor. This mystery opponent shit doesn't fly with the paying public.

Fedors managers have seemed to cool off with wanting the belfort fight and mentioned a sherdog poll stating that most of the fans don't feel vitor is a good opponent and would rather see a legit hw, I think they mentioned brett rogers by name too.

Is vitor actually gaining weight or is he just not doing his diet/weight cutting procedures that most fighters do leading up to the fight. If it's the latter and vitor doesn't fight fedor I would imagine they would offer some catchweight.

I can't remember where but there was a rumour jake shields may fight santiago as a replacement which is a great fight itself if it happens.