Josh Barnett to make first combat sports appearance since 2022 in grappling match against KSW’s Phil De Fries

Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett is set to return to action against KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries.

‘The Warmaster’ hasn’t competed in years, but that’s largely thanks to an incredibly busy schedule. Over the last few years, Josh Barnett’s professional wrestling career has taken off. While he’s been active in the ring for a long time now, he’s now one of the key faces of the GCW promotion. Furthermore, he continues to be active as a commentator as well, while also appearing on AEW television.

In addition to competing in pro wrestling, the former UFC champion has been active as a trainer as well. Josh Barnett works with a variety of fighters, most notably, bantamweight contender Victor Henry. While a great coach, it seems that the former fighter can’t stay away from competition for good.

Last week, Josh Barnett came to social media with a callout of KSW heavyweight champion, Phil De Fries. ‘S-11’ has become one of the biggest stars of the company, last submitting Szymon Bajor last July. That victory was the British fighter’s 12th in a row, previously defeating the likes of Todd Duffee and more.

The KSW heavyweight champion later accepted Josh Barnett’s callout, and the two are now set to grapple on Feb. 24th in Poland. For the former UFC champion, the grappling match will be his first combat sports appearance since 2022. That December, he scored a first-round stoppage win over Shoma Shibisai in a mixed-rules bout.

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Image Credit: Bellator MMA

Josh Barnett signs deal to grapple KSW champion Phil De Fries on February 24th

“Four years ago, the lineal KSW world champion, Marcin Różalski challenged me to a bare-knuckle fight.” Josh Barnett stated in a callout video released to social media earlier this month, calling for a grappling match with the KSW heavyweight champion. “I went to his realm, and I beat him. Now, here comes Phil De Fries. I challenge you to come to my realm.”

He concluded the callout video, “Phil De Fries, I challenge you, on your home turf as KSW heavyweight champion, to a grappling match. Where I thrive. It’s truly going to be an epic night, at KSW: Epic.”

As the former UFC champion stated, this grappling match will serve as one of the key bouts on KSW: Epic later this month. As of now, that event is expected to be headlined by a bout between Tomasz Adamek and Mamed Khalidov. However, there’s no doubt that Josh Barnett’s return will be one of the most intriguing fights on the card.

What do you make of this news? Are you excited to see the return of Josh Barnett at KSW: Epic? Do you believe he will defeat Phil De Fries in their grappling match later this month?