Matt Barnes, Other NBA Stars Use MMA To Prepare For Season

Given the fact that newly acquired Los Angeles Clippers forward and former UCLA standout Matt Barnes has made an NBA career out of being an enforcer, it should be no surprise that a report from ProBasketballTalk states that the former Los Angeles Lakers reserve is using Mixed Martial Arts as a way to prepare for the upcoming season.

"It's a great, intense cardio workout," Barnes told the site. "Me growing up on the streets, fighting my whole life, learning the proper way to strike, to throw elbows, to throw knees, to guard, it's just a great way to get ready and get a workout in."

Barnes is working with former MMA fighter John Marsh at Gold's Gym in Redondo Beach, Calif. and is learning how to fight, according to the report. The training could serve two purposes for Barnes, who enjoys mixing it up with the other team and serving as his team's enforcer. He'll get into better shape and become an even stronger asset in an enforcer role he's comfortable with.

Other stars, such as Indiana Pacers' big man Roy Hibbert, have also adopted the MMA training.

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Matt Barnes Signs With Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers added small forward Matt Barnes to the mix Friday, according to team sources. The organization hasn't confirmed the terms of the deal yet but CBS Sports' Ken Berger is reporting that it's for one-year at the veteran's minimum.

Barnes began his career as a Clipper when he signed as a free agent rookie but has since bounced around to seven different franchises, spending the last two years with the rival Lakers. The nine-year veteran averaged 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 63 games wearing purple and gold last season.

Barnes is also spent his four years at UCLA (1998-2002), helping lead his team to March Madness appearances in all four of his seasons with the Bruins.

Barnes will be fighting an uphill battle for playing time with Caron Butler and Grant Hill locked in as key swingman pieces. At shooting guard, the Clippers have Chauncey Billups and Jamal Crawford as well so perhaps Barnes' options were limited. Either that or he really believes this team is a legitimate title contender.

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Matt Barnes Close To Joining Los Angeles Clippers, According To Report

The Los Angeles Clippers are close to reaching a deal with free agent forward Matt Barnes, according to SI.com's Sam Amick.