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Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett is a very busy man these days, shuffling between team grappling event Quintet, pro wrestling, and entertainment projects.

Where does MMA fit on that list? Barnett (35-8) has been out of action for more than two years and still wants fight, but he needs to find time.

“When I sort out the schedule for next year and carve that space out with the right place,” he told reporters, including MMAjunkie, at an open workout in support of Quintet 3, which takes place Oct. 5 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas and streams live on UFC Fight Pass. “Simple as that. It’s just a matter of when. It’s not a why – working on it.”

Barnett, 40, was freed of his contractual obligations to the UFC when he got his release from the industry leader three months after settling with its anti-doping partner USADA. He received a public reprimand after taking USADA to arbitration over a positive out-of-competition drug test that was later linked to a tainted supplement. He currently is suing the supplement maker.

After his settlement, Barnett continued to work as a commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He hasn’t lost his love for wrestling entertainment and aims to stage a comeback on that front soon.

“I’m hoping and expecting to be in the professional wrestling ring this year and next year, as well,” he said.

Barnett’s MMA resume should make him an attractive prospect for MMA promoters. Bellator boss Scott Coker has already publicly expressed interest in his services. But as to who “The Warmaster” wants to work with, he won’t reveal that just yet.

“I did receive a very mysterious letter in the mail the other day about an island in a secret location that they would fly us to Hong Kong first and then they would take us by private charter boat out to this island,” joked Barnett. “Yeah, they said they’ve held tournaments there before. It sounds familiar.”

For more on the upcoming MMA schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.