Bobby Lashley Vs. Fedor Emelianenko Next Week At "Affliction: Trilogy"?
Bobby Lashley vs. Fedor Emelianenko? According to a report on FightLine.com, the main event of Affliction: Trilogy, which is scheduled to take place on August 1, is in jeopardy. The report states that Josh Barnett tested positive for an unnamed substance in a pre-fight test. As a result of this, the California State Athletic Commission will not license Barnett for his scheduled bout against Fedor Emelianenko. Barnett has not been notified of any problems as of Tuesday night. He also noted the test was taken three weeks ago.
Just 11 days before the event is scheduled to take place, Vitor Belfort, who is currently slated to face Jorge Santiago in a middleweight bout, has agreed to take on Emelianenko, though that is not official. One source is cited as saying Emelianenko would have the choice of fighting either Belfort or 4-0 former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley. However, Lashley has denied any knowledge of replacing Barnett, stating the following:
"I don't know if I would want it right now. Since the last fight, I haven't really been into training again. That fight is next week. That would be something I would really have to take a look at. To just jump in there probably wouldn't be the smartest thing for me right now. A lot of people would say that might be a money fight. They figure, 'If we give him enough money, will he do it?' That's what people tend to look at. I don't want to get into fighting for the money so much right now."