Interview with Josh Barnett: “I know I’ve got all the tools I need”
Published by Scoop Malinowski on June 13th, 2009 in Interviews

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The former UFC Heavyweight champion Josh Barnett is candid about his chances against Fedor Emelianenko on August 1. In this interview where he admits to being the underdog. But Barnett, one of the most intelligent professional athletes I’ve ever interviewed, also reveals why he thinks he can win this monumental showdown, what he doesn’t like about his friend Fedor, and more…

Josh Barnett: “Train your butt off. I mean, if you’re fighting a guy that many perceive as a lesser opponent, the day that you think that allows you to train less is the day that you get beat. So take this fight for what it is. This man is coming to beat you. You can either be at your best, so that you can make sure to prevent that outcome – or you can take a chance with it, roll the dice and decide, Well, I don’t need to train so much to beat this guy – and look like a fool out there on national television.

MMAMemories.com: What is the key to victory for you?

Josh Barnett: Imposing my will and taking control of the fight. Always owning the rhythm. He always owns the rhythm of the fight. And, honestly, he who controls the rhythm is bound to win the fight. I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t. So that’s what I gotta do. So for me, I just need to be in the best shape I can. Because I know I’ve got all the tools I need.

MMAMemories.com: Do you feel like the underdog? Or is this a 50-50 fight?

Josh Barnett: Oh, sure I’m an underdog. But I don’t give a damn [smiles].

MMAMemories.com: Do you expect his arm bars to be a factor?

Josh Barnett: Arm bars are arm bars. I’ve had many people throw arm bars on me and I’ve yet to be caught in one in a fight, ever. So if I’m doing my homework, if I’m prepared, then that shouldn’t be an issue. But, hey, he’s got a nice one [smiles]. He’s got a good arm bar off his back.

MMAMemories.com: Everyone knows how you guys are good friends, the mutual respect and admiration. Is there anything that you don’t like about this guy?

Josh Barnett: No. Not really [laughs]. I think he’s a great, overall human being. And we really get along well and I’m really proud to call him my friend. But liking and unliking (sic) don’t have anything to do with it. I’ll just as soon beat up a family member as I would a total stranger. It’s about business right now. And it’s also about doing what the sport demands, in this case. And we’re both sportsmen. So this is where we go.

MMAMemories.com: Will there be mixed emotions for you on fight night?

Josh Barnett: No. Here’s the thing. If anybody is going to beat him, I want it to be me. And vice versa. I don’t want to sit out there in the arena and watch somebody that I don’t like defeat Fedor. I’m gonna be upset. If there’s any time I think he’s having trouble – I’m upset. I don’t want to see anybody else beat my friend. If I do – it’s okay. But not anybody else.

MMAMemories.com: Were you upset at all watching him struggle a little bit with Arlovski?

Josh Barnett: Yeah. But you know what? It was only 2 1/2 minutes of a 25-minute fight. So even if he lost the first round, I have faith in my friend. I knew he was gonna win.