MMA's poster boy of steroid controversy, Josh Barnett (24-5), will most likely make his return to competition in a week and half.
Josh Gross of SI.com reports on his twitter that the "Babyfaced Assassin" may fight Siala "Mighty Mo" Siliga at DREAM 13 on March 22.
Last summer, Barnett tested positive for steroid during the pre-fight drug test ahead of his highly anticipated showdown with Fedor Emelianenko at "Affliction: Trilogy." The subsequent denial of his license to fight in California wreaked havoc on the floundering Affliction, prompting not only the cancellation of the "Trilogy" event, but also the demise of the promotion.
Since then, his quest to regain license to fight in California has become a prolonged ordeal. Last month, his appeal of the denial of license was delayed for the fourth time, further complicating the legal burden on his fighting career. Meanwhile, he has kept himself busy with pro-wrestling gigs with Inoki Genome Foundation and participation in several No-Gi grappling competitions.
Barnett's signing with DREAM comes as no surprise: Given his name value in Japanese MMA and pro-wrestling, laxity toward the use of performance enhancing drugs in Japan, and stigma he has incurred in the US, DREAM has loomed as a logical destination for him. Also, the rumored signings of Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia to DREAM and the ongoing alliance between DREAM and Strikeforce will present him a few potential big matches.
Siala "Mighty Mo" Siliga, last fought a MMA match at Dynamite!! 2008 against Semmy Schilt. The Samoan kickboxer and boxer known for his devastating overhand right, has crushed three tomato cans before suffering his first loss in MMA against Schilt. It looks like the second loss in MMA is forthcoming: Despite more than a year and half away from competition, formerly top-ranked Barnett is beyond what a MMA neophyte like "Mighty Mo" is capable of handling, save a puncher's chance.
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