Josh Barnett plans on using heavyweight grand prix as a stepping stone to re-establish himself as number one in the world

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Josh Barnett has been speaking ahead of his quarter-final match-up with knockout artist, Brett Rogers later on this year, explaining this grand prix is the perfect stepping stone to re-establish himself as the number one fighter in the division.
Speaking at the press conference this week in New York, Barnett said:

“This tournament is hugely important for MMA at large and especially for the heavyweight division because this is the greatest collection of heavyweight talent ever assembled for one tournament. This is not just a paper thing. The winner will be the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.”

“I’m very excited and glad to be part of it and hope to use it as a stepping-stone to re-establish my career and to re-establish myself as the No. 1 fighter. I haven’t lost in years and don’t plan to now.”

Barnett is struggling to shake off the stigma attached with three failed drugs tests ahead of this tournament, with many fans speculating that the reason why Strikeforce are so keen to hold an event in Japan with him on it is due to the relaxed drug testing in the Far East.