UFC stunner: "The New York Bad Ass" Phil Baroni announces new deal with UFC

Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com

It's official: Phil Baroni, a shameless (and effective) self-promoter who's better known as "The New York Bad Ass," is returning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

On Thursday the 33-year-old fighter signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC and is heading to the organization's welterweight division.

Baroni today broke the news that he signed the deal while a guest on MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio), though no date or opponent have been determined for his return to the octagon.

"I just signed and sent my contract back to the UFC," Baroni said.

Baroni (13-11 MMA, 3-5 UFC) hasn't fought in the UFC since UFC 51 in 2005, when he suffered a submission loss to Pete Sell. It was the fourth consecutive loss for Baroni, who burst onto the UFC scene in 2001 with a series of devastating knockouts and a 3-1 record.

Since he was initially released by the organization, Baroni has fought all over the world with organizations such as PRIDE, Strikeforce, ICON Sport, EliteXC, Cage Rage and Palace Fighting Championships.

Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.com