Josh Barnett Submits Sergei Kharitonov to Advance to Finals

Josh Barnett

Meets alternate Daniel Cormier in Heavyweight Grand Prix Finals

Josh Barnett delivered a very similar performance to the one that earned him a victory in the opening round on Saturday night in Cincinnati.

After trading punches with Sergei Kharitonov early, the former UFC heavyweight champion dragged the Russian kickboxer to the ground, quickly moved to mount and proceeded to dominate. Barnett rained down measured punches and elbows, controlling Kharitonov’s hands and showing great patience.

Kharitonov eventually bucked, but it was to no avail, as he ended up giving up his back and eating more punches and elbows. As he returned his back to the canvas, Barnett secured an arm triangle choke, floated into position, and quickly collected another submission win. It was the same technique he used to defeat Brett Rogers in the quarterfinals back in June.

The victory moves Bartnett into the finals opposite Daniel Cormier, the unbeaten alternate who stopped Antonio Silva earlier in the evening.