Josh Barnett is a frustrating fighter to support. What has also frustrated me is Barnett being one of if not the only notable Western Mixed Martial Artists who willingly represents Catch Wrestling in his approach to fighting. He's not shied away from it and he's not tried to re-brand it as Barnett Submission Fighting, Barnett Shoot Fighting or, god forbid, Barnett-Jitsu. The reason this frustrates me is if Barnett has taken the mantle of being an ambassador for Catch Wrestling in the most visible competitive landscape -- high level MMA now under the Zuffa umbrella -- his words and actions are going to be seen as reflective of Catch Wrestling. The importance of Barnett being an ambassador for Catch Wrestling is his position to help put American MMA fans and even fighters and coaches back in touch with their own heritage and history. Through European colonisation and immigration Catch Wrestling evolved and became an important part of America's combative, competitive landscape peaking in the early 1900's with events and matches headlining arenas such as Madison Square Garden. It was a time when Professional Wrestling actually meant one could Wrestle, professionally and world champions like Frank Gotch were as revered as Boxing's equivalents. Six Years ago catch-as-catch-can wrestling was an entirely different sort of affair. I believe putting these wrestlers back in touch with their Catch Wrestling heritage can help them bridge the gap between their Wrestling and BJJ training and can help make them a more effective all around Ground Fighter.
If Barnett can adjust his personality and conduct out of the ring and continue success within it Barnett has the opportunity to help change and improve the sport of MMA and the art of Catch.
Josh Barnett used his Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix open workout to put on a pro wrestling exhibition. Barnett closed his exhibition with a fantastic promo, inspired by one of the all time pro wrestling greats.
Barnett took that opportunity to show off his wrestling skills…pro wrestling skills. Barnett even finished off his exhibition with an old school pro wrestling promo.
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The only heavyweight tonight that didn't embarrass himself in the cage was Josh Barnett. Is the WWF act that Josh is still clinging to like a toddler to his "banky" supposed to convince Dana White that Barnett has become a serious and reliable professional athlete?
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