UFC veteran Chris Barnett signs with Karate Combat, books debut

Chris Barnett has found a new home for his fighting career.

The former UFC heavyweight signed with Karate Combat and is expected to debut next week Dec. 5 at Karate Combat 58 in Miami. Barnett takes on combat sports veteran Johnathan "Big Baby" Miller. The promotion announced the news of the signing and booking Wednesday.

"Beastboy" was seen in action last month when he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Hamdy Abdelwahab at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. It was his second straight defeat in the promotion, where he went 3-2 since joining the roster in 2021. Barnett, 39, has experience outside of MMA, so Karate Combat won't be the first time he's ventured out of the sport. Barnett has fought six times in boxing and competed in grappling tournaments.

Miller has competed twice in MMA, going 0-2. His main form of fighting has been in bareknuckle boxing, where he’s competed five times for BKFC.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ex-UFC heavyweight signs with Karate Combat, books debut