The sigh of relief emanating from PRIDE's on-site office could only be trumped by the smile across Josh Barnett(Pictures)'s face.
Having been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for steroids in 2002, the 28-year-old heavyweight learned Thursday afternoon that he would be licensed to fight Pawel Nastula(Pictures) on Saturday following a clean urinalysis.
This marks the first time in four years that Barnett, who defeated Randy Couture(Pictures) to capture the UFC heavyweight belt before being stripped of the title, will fight in the U.S.
Barnett's statement came during open workouts for PRIDE's "Real Deal" card, which airs live on
pay-per-view Oct. 21.