Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett, who was only 11 days away from the biggest fight of his life against Fedor Emelianenko at the Aug. 1 Affliction Trilogy event in Calif., won't get the opportunity after failing a pre-fight drug test for performance-enhancing substances.
Affliction president Tom Atencio told AOL Fanhouse that Barnett failed a drug test and the California State Athletic Commission will not allow him to fight.
"He tested positive for a banned substance," Atencio said of Barnett. "The athletic commission will not reinstate his license."
MMAjunkie.com is reporting that middleweight Vitor Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, has verbally agreed to fight Emelianenko, and negotiations are in progress to finalize the deal.
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