Power Politics: A Dangerous Game

Josh "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Barnett is one of the top 4 heavyweights in the world, but that didn't stop Dana White from offending him.

Following UFC 74, Dana White declared his belief that Randy Couture is the greatest heavyweight in the world. Personally, I think Dana's more of a hype machine than an MMA scholar, but Barnett took offense to one of the most powerful men in the sport doubting the currently widely accepted rankings that put Couture in the #5 spot. (Personally, I have Couture in the 6 spot)

Barnett voiced his disapproval, saying that if Dana White made him a real offer, he'd come back to the UFC and take a rematch against Couture.

Barnett defeated Couture when they met at UFC 36 to win the UFC heavyweight title, but was stripped of the belt after testing positive for anabolic steroids. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the most established and dangerous heavyweights in the world, finishing second in the PRIDE Open Weight Grand Prix (he was defeated by Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic in the finals).

Simply put, Barnett believes he's better than Couture. He has a phenomenal freestyle wrestling backround and is the greatest freestyle grappler in the world.

At 6'3, 250, Barnett would have a size advantage and a definitive power advantage. The matchup with a much bigger opponent who is at least as well versed as Couture in takedowns is not one that looks good for Couture.

However, when Barnett made his announcement calling out Dana White and Randy Couture, he also said that the UFC needed to make him a serious contract offer. Barnett became a free agent after the UFC's parent company, Zuffa, bought out and liquidated PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he was a top contender.

Barnett has certainly had the option of competing in any organization he damn well pleases, but he'd like to be in the big show. He has a special motivation to fight Couture (to prove that he doesn't need steroids to beat the current UFC heavyweight champion) and he is definitely one of the most deserving fighters in the sport.

Barnett's attack on White will definitely have it's consequences in the negotiating room, but it reminded us that Barnett is still very much a player in this heavyweight division, and he's pissed that people are forgetting. It's more than just a look at me, because he's telling the truth, and if Dana doesn't man up and sign him, Barnett is going to look like the better man.