Ranking Brock Lesnar's Potential Opponents For UFC 200

This is a fight that would be an easy sell. In this instance, Lesnar isn't the only one with a background in pro wrestling as Barnett has also worked inside the squared circle, performing for New Japan Pro Wrestling as well as the legendary Antonio Inoki's IGF. In addition to that, the well-spoken and charismatic Barnett - one of the few MMA fighters skilled in the art of the promo - has also served as an English commentator for NJPW.

The Warmaster would present a stiff challenge for Lesnar. He's not a serious threat with his hands - although he does have a few KO victories sprinkled throughout his lengthy career - but where he really excels is with his submission grappling. Since Brock's wrestling is what brought him to the dance, he's always going to want to get his opponent on the mat, and with a guy like Barnett that's a dangerous strategy because he's frighteningly effective off his back. Caution would be advised.

Barnett is a man many expected to return to the UFC after an impressive career in Japan and Strikeforce to make an immediate impact, possibly even capturing the heavyweight crown, but thus far he's gone 2-2 in his four bouts, with wins over Frank Mir (TKO) and Roy Nelson (decision) balanced out by losses to Travis Browne (TKO) and Ben Rothwell (submission).

Currently he's scheduled to face Andrei Arlovski in September but that's a fight that could easily be changed if the UFC were inclined to do so. Since the Lesnar fight is apparently a one-and-done, they're not going to waste it on a no-name scrub and Josh Barnett is the kind of fighter who could talk up some serious interest in a showdown between the two.

In fact, if you a glance at his Twitter he's already done so:

I could do retweets all night but one thing is clear, people want to see me lock up with Brock Lesnar. Talk him into it @HeymanHustle. @ufc.— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) June 5, 2016