Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett has signed a multi-fight deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will see him fight inside the Octagon for the first time in over 11 years, according to USA Today Sports.
Barnett debuted in the UFC in November 2000 but hasn’t competed in the UFC since he TKO’d Randy Couture to win the heavyweight title at UFC 36 in March 2002.
After beating Couture, Barnett tested positive for banned substances, was stripped of his title and eventually released. Barnett eventually went on to have success in various promotions including the defunct Pride and Strikeforce organizations.
Barnett (32-6) has won nine of his last 10 fights, eight by stoppage, and is coming off a submission win over Nandor Guelmino at the last-ever Strikeforce event in January.
The 35-year-old is expected to fight sometime later this year, though an opponent is unknown at this time.
