Josh Barnett failed a random drug test and is officially out of Affliction Trilogy on August 1st. This is the second drug test he has failed for steroids. He was stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and consequentially dropped by the UFC in 2002 for a similar incident.Now the question is, who will replace Barnett to headline the PPV? Most polls demand that a suitable Heavyweight such as Brett Rogers, Bobby Lashley, Jeff Monson or Fabricio Werdum be the official replacement. Rumors are indicating though that Vitor Belfort, a 185 lbs Middleweight may get the call. Dana White and critics of Fedor Emelianenko have complained that Emelianenko has not faced top-tier Heavyweight talent since his 2004 fight against Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic. Many were especially critical against his bout versus Matt Lindland, who like Belfort, was a Middleweight moving up to fight Fedor.
Most polls suggest that Jeff Monson is the best available opponent to face Fedor. Strikeforce apparently is unwilling to lend Rogers or Werdum, while Bobby Lashley who has prowrestling commitments doesn't seem to be interested in the fight at the time.
