Barnett: It’s just another fight
Josh Barnett fights Travis Browne at UFC 168 and the winner likely moves with in a win of the UFC…
Josh Barnett fights Travis Browne at UFC 168 and the winner likely moves with in a win of the UFC heavyweight title. But for Barnett, regardless of the circumstance, a fight is a fight:
It’s just another fight, man, Barnett said. The ring is still the same. It doesn’t matter if it’s just the two of us in the gym or if the world is watching. I’ve been doing this since I was a high school wrestler in Seattle and we’d get crowds for the meets. It’s nice people are interested in the show, but it doesn’t make a difference to my fight preparation.
The veteran Barnett, of course, is also known for his side gig as a pro wrestler, one that’s been put on hold while the 36-year old goes on his last big mixed martial arts run. While Barnett’s been known to bring a little wrestling flare to his interviews, he doesn’t feel he needs to do so against Browne, who takes a three-fight win streak into the bout, including a memorable head-kick knockout of Alistair Overeem in August.
This isn’t a fight where I have to build up some sort of hatred of the guy, Barnett said. He’s been cordial to me every time we’ve crossed paths. He just happens to be the guy the UFC has put in front of me at this time. He likes to go full-tilt; he likes to bang. I’m happy to provide him with that type of fight. Or it could go anywhere. This should be a fun fight; he’s been on a nice run.
