Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 | Posted by Editor

Josh Barnett: All-American Superhero

Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett:

All-American Superhero

August 1 PPV extravaganza in Anaheim

SEAL BEACH, California (June 3, 2009)— With his chiseled jaw and Mr. Incredible looks, Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett could be the leading man in a Hollywood film or a character straight out of the anime that he loves so much. He has a superhero frame—at 6’3”, 250 pounds, one can almost picture the “Babyfaced Assassin” wrapped in a cape, standing atop a tall building, scanning the city below for any evil doers. He is a well-spoken, charismatic figure whose persona is as compelling as his impressive fight record.

Josh’s showmanship has won him many exuberant fans, making him a kind of cult icon to his admirers. But it’s his down-to-earth behavior that has gained him a reliable supply of die-hard followers. A self-proclaimed nerd, the heavyweight is a big fan of video games, comic books, anime, and muscle cars, much like his fan base, who easily relate to him and his favorite pastimes. He often speaks frankly and has been known in the past to get on message boards and debate with fans and other fighters.

Barnett’s easy smile and conversation make him a favorite of interviewers, and his trademark humor and bravado make him an always entertaining performer for audiences to watch. And Josh pulls no punches in front of a microphone, either. He is always armed with a number of jokes and a large dose of playful sarcasm to keep things from becoming predictable.

But Barnett is not all image—he’s also full of substance. Ranked number two on Sherdog’s top ten heavyweights of the world list, Barnett is a force to be reckoned with. The youngest UFC® Heavyweight Champion of all-time, he is one of the most respected heavyweights in MMA and a celebrated wrestling star in Japan. In Japan, Barnett is idolized and considered the ultimate American warrior. And although he has a deep fondness for Japanese culture, he always represents his home country with great pride.

On August 1^st, Barnett will be on home turf, playing a starring role at Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy opposite his costar and opponent, the reigning WAMMA Heavyweight Champion, Fedor Emelianenko. The two personas couldn’t be any more different. Difference in personality aside, these two powerful heavyweights will surely bring an explosive performance to their bout at Honda Center in Anaheim.

And Barnett is ready to face the number one ranked mixed martial artist in the world. He has been studying the fighting of his opponent for years, as he does all potential opponents. The former UFC® Heavyweight Champion and current King of Pancrase is a highly tactical, sound fighter whose world-class submission wrestling skills are notorious. Although his grappling base comes from catch-wrestling, he has an evolved fighting style that combines a well-rounded standup and ground game. Barnett also has size, strength, and conditioning on his side. He’ll be utilizing all of his assets to win the recognition of all in MMA, and to score the role of a lifetime—the baddest man on the planet.

Tickets for Affliction M-1 “Trilogy,” ranging between $50.00 and $600.00, go on sale June 8 at Honda Center Box Office (1.714.704.2500) and also online at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticket Master outlets (1.714.740.2000).