Tom Atencio, at the 3:30 p.m. press conference which just started, stated they are in negotiations with three different potential opponents, but would not list their names, and that no fight had been finalized.
One source in the middle of the negotiations has said no deal is completed and noted red tape attempting to cut through in getting Brett Rogers.
Shawn Tompkins, one of the trainers of Vitor Belfort, told Fight Network radio moments ago that Belfort had signed to face Fedor Emelianenko, replacing Josh Barnett, in the Affliction main event on 8/1.Atencio would not mention any names being discussed, but did admit to them being in talks with Strikeforce (who Rogers is under contract with). He said he learned from the commission yesterday that Barnett had tested positive for a banned substance, but did not know the substance. He said the commisison is having Barnett's "B" sample tested and in the event the sample comes up clean, it is possible Barnett would fight. In California, there has never been a sitution where the results of the "B" sample didn't match the results of the "A" sample.
Atencio said managers everywhere are offering names and that he would have no problems finding an opponent and that Emelianenko was open for whoever they decided upon.
"Until I have a contract signed, it's all rumors," he said today.
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