Josh Barnett To Undergo Intensive Drug Testing For Next 14 Months

Josh Barnett made a successful return to the octagon at UFC 164, where he took out Frank Mir in one round by TKO. Barnett was long considered one of the top Heavyweights outside the UFC, while fighting for Strikeforce, Affliction, Pride FC and Dream.

After twice testing positive for super monkey balls steroids, Barnett was stripped of his UFC title after beating Randy Couture at UFC 36 and sent packing into the unknown. After picking up some wins in Pancrase, “The Warmaster” moved on to Pride before sending Affliction in to liquidation.

After a semi-decent run in Strikeforce, Barnett finds himself back in the big leagues and off the juice (hopefully). The Nevada State Athletic Commission is not too trusting of former, or repeat offenders. Barnett falls in to both categories and as a result will have to undergo random drug testing for the next 14 months.

Here it is via commissioner TJ Lundvall: “(Barnett) will be subjected to enhanced, intensive, weekly testing by the WADA lab at the expense of Mr. Barnett or UFC and that he also be subjected to random testing by the Nevada State Athletic Commission through Dec. 31, 2014 to be paid by him or the UFC.”

So The BFA will be subject to testing in the weeks leading up to his UFC 168 clash with Travis Browne, and it seems as though he will have no choice but to remain clean. The cost of being a three time steroid bum in MMA, especially on the UFC stage, is a place at the back of the unemployment queue.

Barnett understands the logic behind the NSAC’s decision though, and also the importance of his attitude while under such scrutiny, via MMAJunkie:

“I understand the prohibited list, and that’s what’s necessary,” Barnett said. “I have to put it in my mouth, in my body. … No one’s giving me anything under the table and putting things in my system. This is my responsibility.”

The system used for the dope testing, WADA, is renowned for being the premier anti-doping agency in North America right now, so any mistakes on Barnett’s part will not go unnoticed.

Somewhere in Brazil, Vitor Belfort is not a happy man. The former UFC LHW Champion was banned from competing under the NSAC due to his failed drug tests, whereas Barnett is being allowed to compete under the commission’s close watch. Is this a fair shake for “The Phenom”?