FEDOR AND BARNETT SET FRIENDSHIP ASIDE

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FEDOR AND BARNETT SET FRIENDSHIP ASIDE
Thursday, June 04, 2009 - by Ken Pishna - MMAWeekly.com


At a press conference in New York on Wednesday, Affliction Entertainment officially announced its third event, "Trilogy." The main event features a showdown between No. 1 ranked heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko and No. 2 ranked Josh Barnett, a bout that has been on a crash course since the birth of Affliction's mixed martial arts efforts in mid-2008.

“This is a fight a lot of people were expecting for a long time – press and fans, and even fighters," commented Barnett. "Make no bones about it; this is going to be a very serious endeavor. I think because of the nature of this bout between the two of us it heightens our status as professionals.

“Just because we’re friends doesn’t take away from us being fighters. Because of our status, mutual respect and visions in mixed martial arts, this fight needs to live-up to expectations greater than any other heavyweight championship. I’ll do my part to make it historical."

Although their close friendship is well noted, Fedor echoed Barnett's sentiments about fighting a friend.

“Everyday I fight with my friend in training. It’s a sport. We’re athletes in the ring to compete. I’m confident our friendship (Barnett) will continue after the fight," said the Russian superstar.

In fact, Barnett believes that their friendship makes it even more important for them to put forth their maximum. "Being a good friend, I should bring my best into the ring, out of respect (for Fedor). We don’t need personal grudges to fight. We want to be the best and show our best."


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