Josh Barnett set to meet Frank Mir in UFC return at UFC 164

Barnett v Mir on for UFC 164

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

The UFC yesterday announced a heavyweight addition to the UFC 164 card on August 31st in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Frank Mir will take on Josh Barnett in his UFC return.

This will mark Barnett's return to the organisation after an 11 year absence. His last fight in the UFC was a win over Randy Couture where Barnett won UFC Heavyweight gold. He was later stripped of the title due to testing positive for banned substances. This would also be Barnett's last fight with the company as he would leave to fight in Japan after this fight.

Barnett was initially hesitant to sign a contract with the UFC after his Strikeforce folded. He was expected to go and fight on the Japanese circuit again where he could do Pro Wrestling as well. Barnett had a change of heart and has since signed with the UFC again.

They both have a common opponent as both were defeated by Daniel Cormier in there last fight. Frank Mir was supposed to head over to Strikeforce to fight Cormier but due to injury this was scrapped and they fought in the UFC on Cormier's debut. Mir is currently on a 2 fight losing steak after losing in a title fight to Junior Dos Santos and then dropping a decision to Cormier in his UFC debut.

He will welcome Barnett back to the UFC as well in what should be a great ground battle. It's a classic Wrestler vs grappler match and will no doubt be very exciting to see who comes out on top.