Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett was removed from the UFC roster yesterday without explanation.
As it turns out though, the former champion asked for his own release, following a 15 month arbitration with USADA, that saw him eventually clear his name of the accusations of using performance enhancing drugs,.
Now Barnett doesn’t trust USADA, therefore requested his UFC release.
In a statement made to ESPN he explained:
“It’s true that I have asked for my release, and we are discussing the terms now,” Barnett said. “Zuffa (parent company of the UFC) has been fantastic and above-board since I re-signed with the company (in 2013). Every promise made has been kept, and I have no disparaging words for them. After everything I went through with USADA, and my vindication in that case, I don’t feel comfortable giving the control necessary to USADA that would continue my career in the UFC.”
