Josh Barnett Licensed in Texas for Strikeforce Fight Against Brett Rogers

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has confirmed that Josh Barnett has been licensed for his fight this weekend against Brett Rogers in Strikeforce.

Susan Stanford from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday that Barnett had been approved for the event.

“Mr. Barnett has met all licensing requirements,” Stanford told MMAWeekly.com. “He has received a license for his fight this weekend.”

Both Barnett and Strikeforce official Scott Coker had stated several times that they saw no issue in the fighter getting licensed. The news on Tuesday was made official by the commission.

Barnett had come under fire in 2009 after a positive test for banned substances forced him out of a scheduled bout against Fedor Emelianenko in the Affliction promotion. The bout never ended up happening and Affliction eventually closed its doors.

This will be Barnett’s first fight back in the United States since that incident.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation also revealed that there are four fighters on the Strikeforce card that have actually not met the licensing requirements for the show, but they have until 5 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday to meet those requirements.

MMAWeekly.com will have a follow up on Wednesday to confirm that all fighters have been licensed and the fights are going ahead for Saturday’s show in Dallas.

Damon Martin is the lead staff writer and radio host for MMAWeekly.com.
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