Josh Barnett wants trilogy match with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in the UFC

Josh Barnett has been a fixture in the MMA world since back in 1997. He has had rivalries with some of the best in the business, but one that sticks out to many is his fights with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

In 2006, Barnett faced Nogueira for the first time at PRIDE Final Conflict Absolute and picked up the split decision victory. It was just three months later when the two faced off again at PRIDE Shockwave 2006 and this time around Big Nog took home the unanimous decision.

Today, “The Warmaster” took to Twitter to ask if UFC fans were open to seeing the trilogy finished between himself and Nogueira.

If not Mir how do the fans feel about a rubber match to finalize the trilogy between me and Noguiera? I’m game to end it w/Big Nog. @ufc

— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) May 14, 2013

On Monday’s episode of “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani, Barnett said he would “love to fight in the UFC next.”

He has been in the sport for more than a decade and feels he has been in the top 10 longer than any active mixed martial arts fighter.

 

“I’ve been a top 10 fighter longer than anybody active in mixed martial arts at this time. And there’s a real good reason for that. To be in the UFC would mean to go back to where I already won the belt, to go back to where I was a champion at 24 years old, and try to cement my legacy as an MMA fighter. I don’t really feel I can create that legacy and finish on a high point unless I’m there.”

Following an absolute destruction against Nandor Guelmino at Strikeforce’s final event in January, Barnett declined an offer from the UFC. However it now seems the tables have turned and we may see the 38-year old heavyweight inside the octagon sooner rather than later.