I’ve always wondered why former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett likes to wear shoes in the ring when so many other fighters don’t, and I just figured it out. It’s not because of his catch wrestling background. It’s because he’s disfigured. Here he is answering questions about Renato Sobral’s choke on David Heath:
“Maybe to sportswriters and fans it was a really ugly scenario — and you know what, if I had known he was going to do something like that I would have told him not to — but it’s not uncommon. It’s not something as a fighter — and I’ve been in this business 11 years — I have seen it more than I can count on both hands and both toes. That happens. Things happen.”
Holy crap! He only has two toes! I’d keep my shoes on as well!
I just sent this email through the contact form on Josh Barnett’s website:
Hey Josh,
Loved what you wrote about Randy - except the part about you being the rightful champ. If being the champ was important to you, why didn’t you fight clean?
Anyway, I’d love to see you fight in the UFC, but please lay off the Vitamin S this time.
Love and kisses,
Jemal