Ben Askren isn't even in the UFC yet, but he's already starting trouble.

"Love how the (UFC 164) Countdown show glanced over the fact (Josh) Barnett tested positive for 3 banned substances after Couture fight," Askren, Bellator's reigning welterweight champion, posted on Twitter Wednesday morning.

Not surprisingly, it didn't take long for Barnett to respond.

"Did I piss in your cheerios or something or do you just like the view from your high chair? Have fun in obscurity," Barnett wrote back.

"I won't even acknowledge VADA. They're entirely agenda driven and that agenda is NOT sport."

From there the conversation continued, with each man challenging the other and raising the stakes.

"I know it doesn't matter to you, but I can look at myself in the mirror and be ok with choices," Askren said. "In 20 years you will have a very hard time doing the same."

"Hardly," Barnett replied. "I lose no sleep at night in the least. You on the other hand have to judge & throw stones just to be relevant. ... It must feel terrible knowing that without casting insults my way nothing you say matters. You're nearly invisible. Rough life.

"Lastly, go f--k yourself you high & mighty prick. If you want to be famous just come run your mouth next time you see me," Barnett finished.

Askren will be in the blue corner supporting his Roufusport teammate Anthony Pettis at UFC 164, so given the opportunity, he couldn't help but get in one last word.

"Maybe we will end up in the same locker room Saturday :)"