Week-in-Review: Strikeforce Inks Barnett, Daley

Josh Barnett file photo: Sherdog.com

Strikeforce signed two of the most established and ornery free agents on the market in heavyweight Josh Barnett and welterweight Paul Daley.

Barnett, 32, has been absent from U.S. competition since a failed steroid test in Aug. 2009 led to the cancellation of his fight with Fedor Emelianenko and the subsequent collapse of the Affliction MMA promotion. The former UFC heavyweight champion has a multi-fight agreement with the promotion. His first fight has yet to be determined.

Daley, 27, also signed a multi-fight agreement coming off a victory over Jorge Masvidal on the Sept. 11 Shark Fights 13 pay-per-view. Daley is also coming off a cooling-off period following controversy, as he was cut from the UFC after swinging and landing on Josh Koscheck following his loss at UFC 113 in May. Daley served a 30-day suspension for the action. Daley’s first fight has also yet to be locked down, though a Strikeforce press release highlighted his interest in fighting the promotion’s welterweight champion Nick Diaz. MMAWeekly.com reported that Daley’s contract is for six fights and that Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos currently leads the way as Daley’s next possible opponent.

Masvidal also reportedly signed a six-fight deal with Strikeforce.