High-Profile Fighters Join Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport Bushido Event in Japan

One Big Thing: Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport Bushido, set for June 22, will feature an array of combat sports stars, including former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, alongside wrestling and MMA legends.

– **The Lineup**: Stars announced for Bloodsport Bushido include Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Davit Modzmanashvili, Kazushi Sakuraba, Masakatsu Funaki, and Mike O’Hearn.
– **Notable Events**: This marks the 11th Bloodsport event. Bloodsport X, happening next month, will showcase WWE star Shayna Baszler.
– **Jackson’s Return**: Rampage Jackson, known for his tenure in UFC and PRIDE, steps back into the ring after announcing retirement from MMA in 2019.
– **Backgrounds**: The competitors bring a diverse array of backgrounds to the event, from Olympic wrestling to bodybuilding.
– **Future Teases**: Josh Barnett hints at potential participation from more WWE and AEW stars, including CM Punk and Malakai Black.

Why It Matters: Bloodsport events provide a unique fusion of MMA and professional wrestling, offering a distinct experience that attracts fans from both worlds. Featuring high-profile names like Jackson and Baszler blurs the lines further between entertainment and combat sports, potentially drawing new audiences and bolstering the event’s prestige.

Bloodsport Bushido not only continues the successful series but also underscores the growing crossover appeal in combat sports and professional wrestling. With Barnett teasing more big names, the anticipation for future events continues to build, marking an influential trend in the industry.

**What’s your take on the growing crossover between MMA and professional wrestling? Are there any fighters or wrestlers you’d love to see compete in Bloodsport events? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.**