One of the best heavyweights in the world went to work last night (Jan. 12, 2013) as "The Warmaster" Josh Barnett put on a dominant display against Nandor Guelmino on the Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine main card in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
On a night of major mismatches and some one-sided bouts, this was hands down the biggest mismatch of them all.
Barnett entered the fight having been ill throughout his entire training camp so he didn't screw around, quickly closing the distance, clinching and dragging Guelmino to the canvas. After posturing a bit for position, he dropped down for a heel hook when Guelmino left his foot under his armpit, but the Austrian escaped back to his feet.
Not discouraged, Barnett went right back to work with a takedown attempt in the clinch, landing directly in mount after turning the corner and putting Guelmino on the canvas again.
Guelmino would proceed to gift-wrap an arm triangle for Barnett, turning his shoulder and leaving his right arm in the air and "The Warmaster" happily obliged by wrapping him up and squeezing until the heavy underdog tapped out. All this without even having to move to side control to secure better leverage on the hold.
For Nandor Guelmino, he had no business being in the cage last night against Barnett. He didn't put up any resistance other than escaping the initial heel hook attempt and it almost looked like he gave up once Barnett was in mount after two minutes. This was just downright bad.
Guelmino will not be getting a shot in the UFC, no way, so speculation about his next opponent is pointless.
For Barnett, he went out there and did his job. It was efficient and he didn't waste any time, quickly shooting in after the fight started and working his spectacular catch-wrestling game. When an opportunity presented itself for him to finish the fight, he had no problem jumping at it with the mounted arm triangle.
After the fight, Barnett was very hesitant to admit whether or not he'll be going to the UFC so it seems his future Zuffa prospects are still up in the air. If he does end up signing with the UFC, fights against Roy Nelson, Shane Carwin or Cheick Kongo would make sense.
So what did you think, Maniacs?
Do you want to see Barnett in the UFC? Or will he never be forgiven for all his past sins? Who out there would have put up a better fight against "The Warmaster" at the final Strikeforce show.
Sound off!
For complete Strikeforce: "Marquardt vs. Saffiedine" results, including blow-by-blow, fight-by-fight coverage of the entire event as well as immediate post-fight reaction click here, here and here.