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Fedor Emelianenko is disappointed that his opponent Josh Barnett failed the first ever administered California random drug test and now he is willing to fight anyone for the scheduled August 1 Affliction Mixed Martial Arts bout.
"I feel disappointed about this situation," said Fedor, before adding, "But I will fight anyone who Affliction puts in front of me. I know a lot of fans waited for this fight to happen and I am sorry for them. I can't do much about it now but I am in good shape, my training has been good and continues to go well. ...
"From now on it all about accuracy, precision and execution. There was no specific manner to prepare for the planned bout with Josh Barnett. It's all the same: standup and ground game... Undoubtedly, it's better to know the name of your opponent long before the fight though."
Barnett tested positive for an anabolic steroid.
When asked if there was any chance that Barnett could be cleared to compete on August 1, California State Athletic Commission's assistant executive officer, Bill Douglas, told FanHouse.com it was not looking likely.
"It's doubtful it will be a possibility given the time frames necessary to properly process a sample like this," said Douglas Wednesday night. "One of the reasons why it was done so early ahead of time for the bout was one: it was largely an unannounced test. I mean, essentially when the decision was made, Josh had 48 hours to appear to go ahead and take the test; and two: taking the processing times into account, knowing that if sample one comes back with a positive result, and this is how it would be for anybody, it's going to result in action. So, the probability is low that it's going to be done in time."
Currently, Bookmaker.com is offering betting odds on all the Affliction matchups August 1 except any involving Emelianenko until an opponent is named. You can view odds here.
Tyrone Darnell Black, Gambling911.com
