Josh Barnett Wanted Eddie Alvarez-like Deal

Josh Barnett

Barnett Demands More Perks in Contract

UFC fans around the world were both shocked and disappointed not too long ago when they found out that heavyweight legend Josh Barnett and his management team had declined the contract he had been offered by the UFC.

UFC president Dana White has only expressed the utmost respect for Barnett in addition to great eagerness to sign him, which leaves many wondering what it was about this contract that Barnett and his team did not approve of.

We got at least something close to an answer on a recent appearance on The MMA Hour from Barnett's manager, in which he explained (via a note from Barnett) that it was the comparison between the proposed contract and that of Bellator's Eddie Alvarez that caused the disagreement.  Apparently, once Barnett found out how many extra perks and benefits Alvarez would receive upon signing with the UFC, he began to wonder why he wasn't being offered the same opportunities as well.

"I was excited to fight Junior. I thought he was a favorable match up for me, but Zuffa was unwilling to give me something that they gave Eddie Alvarez. No disrespect to Eddie, but I felt it was fair to give it to me as well. Although things seem to be working out well for me, I feel bad for the fans. They wanted me to fight certain guys in the UFC and I really wanted to give them those fights. Once we get the deal we are working on done, the fight the fans scream for will be lost forever."

We'll monitor the Barnett situation and think that the door for a return to the UFC might not be totally slammed shut.