Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

VIDEO: Josh Barnett Pro Wrestling Strikeforce Open Workout Routine

For those who didn't hear or see it, Strikeforce heavyweight Josh Barnett did something of a pro wrestling exhibition today as part of the Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum open workouts. I won't pretend to know why he did it or what the moves are that he's doing. But, speaking personally, for someone who loathes pro wrestling as intensely as I do, this was actually a playful, welcome departure from the normal routine of hitting mitts and practicing armbars from the guard.

Barnett also stayed in pro wrestling mode, whereby after the workouts he delivered a speech in character to the media before trotting off the mats.

The text of Barnett’s speech below:

"I've been sitting on the sidelines, sitting there watching everybody go out and fight. Hard times have been on Josh Barnett. Dealing with athletic commissions. Everybody saying, 'You did this, and you did that. You're the problem for this.' That's hard times. Hard times for my family. Hard times for my friends. Hard times by me. Hard times not being able to get a fight. Hard times is the company, waking up one day, is saying they've been sold out to your competitor! Not knowing what the hell you're going to do. Where's my contract at? Where's my money? Where's my security? Who says I'm going to get that shot now? Having that on your mind? That's hard times.

"And then you get this big old Brett Rogers in front of you. He thinks he knows what's tough. He thinks he's going to make a name off of my head. So I've got to get up every morning, break of dawn. I've got to get those running shoes on. I've got to hit that concrete; I've got to get those miles under my feet. My knees are aching, my body is sore. I've got guys like 'Hammer' beating on me every single day. I've got body breaking down, my mind getting pushed, feeling the effects of 14 years of fighting - feeling the effects of trying to put yourself in the best condition you can be in. Waking up every day having to deal with that? That's what hard times is about.

"I'm going to tell you what Brett Rogers. Come Saturday, American Airlines Arena? I'm going to give you a lesson in hard times. I'm going to take all that anguish, all that pain, everything that I have been through, everything all my family has been through, everything all my coaches have been through - I'm going to put that on you, Brett Rogers. I'm going to show you exactly what hard times is about. Who wants to see that? Not you, Brett Rogers. You do not want to see that."

See More:

More in MMA

MMA
UFC Freedom 250 was an embarrassing spectacle of misplaced patriotismUFC Freedom 250 was an embarrassing spectacle of misplaced patriotism
MMA

Love America? It’s gonna cost you.

By James Dator
MMA
‘EA Sports UFC 6’ review: The MMA game you’ve been waiting for‘EA Sports UFC 6’ review: The MMA game you’ve been waiting for
MMA

This game is a triumph.

By James Dator
NBA
Jimmy Butler and Paddy Pimblett get killed in new ‘Battlefield 6’ adJimmy Butler and Paddy Pimblett get killed in new ‘Battlefield 6’ ad
UFC
Daughter of WWE, UFC champion is one of the best shot putters in NCAA track and fieldDaughter of WWE, UFC champion is one of the best shot putters in NCAA track and field
UFC

Brock Lesnar’s daughter Mya is one of the best in shot put in NCAA track and field. After winning the indoor national championship, she’s eyeing an outdoor title too.

By Mitchell Northam
NBA
Conor McGregor sized up Brook Lopez and looked like a childConor McGregor sized up Brook Lopez and looked like a child
NBA

Ring the bell!

By James Dator
UFC
UFC 309 preview: 15 tidbits, facts and storylinesUFC 309 preview: 15 tidbits, facts and storylines
Play
UFC

Before UFC 309: ‘Jones vs. Miocic’ goes down later this evening (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) from inside Madison Square Garden — the most iconic arena in sports — let’s checkout some random storylines, tidbits and statistics ahead of showtime.

By Alexander Behunin