Josh Barnett wants Junior Dos Santos next
Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett is ready to seek out his next fight and it appears he's gunning for another ex-title holder currently sitting on the sidelines waiting for a call from matchmaker Joe Silva.
According to Barnett's manager, Leland LaBarre via UFC Tonight, the veteran heavyweight wants to face Junior Dos Santos when he returns to action later this year.
Dos Santos was supposed to fight in late May at a UFC Fight Night event in Brazil, but a broken hand forced him off the card and back to injured reserved as he awaited word on his next fight. The former champion has been out of action since an October 2013 title fight loss to Cain Velasquez at UFC 166 in Houston.
Barnett has been idle since losing by knockout to Travis Browne at UFC 168 in December 2013, and while his name has been mentioned for a few different fights nothing has materialized for 'The Warmaster' up to this point.
Barnett and Dos Santos do have some shared history together after nearly being matched up last year. During a previous contract negotiation with the promotion, Barnett was expected to face Dos Santos in his return to the Octagon, but at the time no deal was reached and the fight was scrapped.
Barnett eventually did end up back with the UFC, but instead of Dos Santos he drew Frank Mir in his comeback bout to the promotion.
Now with both Barnett and Dos Santos coming off losses in their last fights respectively, it appears this could be a viable fight between two of the best heavyweights in the UFC top 10 rankings.
