Joe Riggs Post-Fight Interview

Joe Riggs Breaks Both Hands; Still Wants Shields

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

In his dominating performance against Phil Baroni at Saturday night's Strikeforce event, Joe Riggs wasn't around to celebrate afterwards. He was off to the hospital with two broken hands.

You'd never have known it from the way he fought at the Scottrade Center, putting on a striking clinic against Baroni en route to a unanimous decision victory.

"Yeah, I broke both my hands again," he told interview Gus Johnson afterwards. But said he continued on because, "I got a family to support. I got a wife and a baby, I gotta work hard."

Even with two broken hands, Riggs was already pushing for another opponent, the man he was originally supposed to have fought on Saturday night.

"I want Jake Shields. I don't want to be disrespectful to him any more; he's a tough fighter. But yeah, I'd like to fight Jake Shields."

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

Sherdog Live Radio: Joe Riggs

Jake Shields and Joe Riggs will join the Sherdog Radio Network on Monday. Tune at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET

Jake Shields and Joe Riggs will join the Sherdog Radio Network on Monday. Tune at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET

Rogers impressive in victory at Strikeforce

Originally posted on MMAforReal.com

In the heavyweight attraction, Brett Rogers maintained his undefeated record with a stunning 22-second knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.


Arlovski, a heavy favorite entering the night, came in with a leg kick and backed off, allowing Rogers to bulrush him against the cage. From there, a big flurry of punches turned Arlovski’s lights out for the second straight fight. In celebration, Rogers ran head-first into the fencing, a moment of pure joy.


“Hopefully (this win) bumps (my career) up to the next level,” Rogers said.


Next up for Rogers could be Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem on Aug. 15.


“I’m ready for whatever,” Rogers said. “I was planning on picking that up today but it got pushed back. Hopefully he’s keeping it good and clean for me. I’m coming for it.”

**********

In a welterweight bout, Joe Riggs dominated Phil Baroni en route to straight 30-27 scores for a unanimous decision victory.


Riggs, who claimed to have broken both hands in the fight, took Baroni down several times to win the first two rounds. Even seemingly up two rounds heading into the third, Riggs turned up the heat on a tentative Baroni, landing knees and punches and hurting his opponent. Riggs also taunted Baroni at several points during the round, leaving his chin open. Baroni landed a few good shots, but it wasn’t enough.


“He was talking some (expletive) about my chin,” Baroni said. “I wanted to show him, ‘what are you talking about? I’ve never been knocked out.’ I can take a good shot, but I think I took a little too many. I didn’t fight back.


“I wasn’t able to pull the trigger. I don’t know what happened.”

Click here to read the entire article at MMAforReal.com

Riggs Dominates At Strikeforce

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

he night did not start so well for former Team Hammer House fighters as both Phil Baroni and Kevin Randleman dropped unanimous decisions in their fights at Strikeforce on Saturday night as Joe Riggs and Mike Whitehead both picked up dominant victories to kick off the live Showtime broadcast.

It appears that training full time at Arizona Combat Sports has paid off for former middleweight Joe Riggs as he battered Baroni for the better part of all three rounds. Showing great wrestling early in the fight, Riggs was able to put Baroni down, and actually took his back early in the round, but couldn’t lock on the submission.

In the second round, Riggs almost put an end to the bout when he hooked Baroni with a beautiful triangle choke, but the New Yorker battled out and the fight continued. It was the final round that truly separated the two fighters as Riggs started to mix up his strikes and pummeled Baroni from one side of the cage to the other.

A very humble and emotional Joe Riggs admitted after the fight that he broke both hands during the match-up with Baroni, but gave massive respect to his veteran opponent.

"It was fun to fight a tough guy like Phil, Phil's a stud, he'll be back, he's a world class fighter, he's a tough guy," Riggs said after the fight.

Originally, Riggs was set to face former Elite XC welterweight champion, Jake Shields, on the Strikeforce card in April, but the bout was pulled when Shields opted to fight in the main event on Saturday's card against Robbie Lawler instead. Riggs made no secret as to who he'd like to face next following the dominant win.

"I want Jake Shields," Riggs stated. "I don't want to be disrespectful to him anymore, he's a tough fighter, but yeah I'd like to fight Jake Shields."

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

Rogers Stuns Arlovski; Riggs Dominates Baroni

Originally posted on Sherdog.com

Rogers got to Arlovski's chin.

Brett Rogers told anyone who would listen that he was going to knockout Andrei Arlovski in the first round. Not too many people believed him, but they may start listening to the undefeated heavyweight after his 22-second dismantling of the former UFC champion.

Rogers (10-0), after taking a short leg-kick, stormed in on Arlovski, backing him into the cage with a left hook that seemed to stun him. Along the cage, Rogers unleashed a combination that culminated with a right hook that separated Arlovski from consciousness.

“I felt like he was hesitating,” Rogers said. “I just went after him. I was hungry.”

The surprising win puts Rogers at the top of the list of heavyweight title contenders for Alistair Overeem’s Strikeforce crown.

“I’m going to keep it going,” Rogers said. “I love this sport. I’m ready for anybody. Most importantly, I want that title.”

Arlovski (15-8), meanwhile, will have some soul-searching to do after suffering back-to-back knockout losses.

Joe Riggs thoroughly dominated Phil Baroni from bell to bell. The veteran mixed martial artist put on clinic, utilizing all facets of the game. Baroni did well to survive the 15-minute beating.

Riggs (30-10) outwrestled Baroni in the first round, taking his back in the process. Though he could not sink the rear-naked choke, he did control the round. He kept Baroni off balance and never let the flamboyant New Yorker find his range on his feet. A frustrated and weary Baroni (13-11) could do little to muster any offense in rounds two and three, while Riggs began to tee off on the feet. He landed crushing combinations at will, swelling Baroni’s left eye in the process.

In the post-fight interview, Riggs said he thought he broke both of his hands during the bout. He also made known his wish to fight Shields, the former EliteXC welterweight champion.

Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.com

Arlovski suffers "Grim" fate at Strikeforce

Originally posted on MMAJunkie.com

Nearly everyone predicted a quick finish to the heavyweight contest between Brett Rogers (10-0) and former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (15-7). A much smaller portion of the prognosticators envisioned a win for "The Grim."

But the Minnesota-native wasted little time in proving his detractors wrong, patiently waiting through a series of feints from "Pitbull" before unleashing a series of piston-like power punches. While the first four shots missed their mark, Arlovski retreated straight back before ending up against the cage. With his motion halted, Rogers' blows found their mark.

A powerful left hook rocked the Belarusian, and a right that followed forced him limp. Another left connected to Arlovski's neck as he fell to the floor, and referee "Big" John McCarthy was there to save the former champ before Rogers could inflict any further damage. The bout was over just 22 seconds after it began, and "The Grim" described his attack as "beast-like."

"That's what happens when you work hard," Rogers said. "I wasn't feeling respected, and I've got to thank Arlovski for allowing me the chance to come out here and prove that I'm worth hanging with the boys in the top ten."

The upset win for Rogers makes him the clear-cut favorite to challenge current Strikeforce heavyweight champion at the promotion's newly announced August 15 event. A clearly disappointed Arlovski has now dropped two-straight contests.

*********

While the war of words leading up to the welterweight contest between Joe Riggs (30-10) and Phil Baroni (13-11) made it easy to anticipate a stand-up war, "Diesel" elected to work a safer strategy by dragging his opponent to the floor and attacking his historically suspect gas tank.

A few submission attempts on the floor but Baroni on the defensive, and Riggs kept the pressure on his opponent with a ground-and-pound attack.

As the third round started, Riggs elected to work more from his feet, punishing Baroni with a series of flying knees. Baroni retreated consistently through the frame, and Riggs' attack was a bit hesitant, though good enough to earn him a unanimous decision. Following the bout, an emotional Riggs explained why he wasn't quite able to earn the finish.

"I broke both my hands again," Riggs said. "I got a family to support."

The win is Riggs' second-straight, and the 26-year-old is now 3-2 fighting for Strikeforce. Baroni's loss, his first since dropping to 170 pounds, snaps a three-fight winning streak.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAjunkie.com

Riggs to Go Through Baroni to Get to Shields

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

Joe Riggs vs. Phil Baroni promises fireworks inside the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on Saturday at the Strikeforce promoted event to air on Showtime.

It's been more than six months since Riggs last competed and the 26-year-old veteran mixed martial artist is eager to get back in action.

"I haven't fought since November. My hand has been ready to go since January. I can't wait. I really can't wait," Riggs told MMAWeekly.com. "It's been too long. After my last fight, I wanted to keep active like I used to be and then I got sidelined for awhile with an injury, so I'm ready to go."

He was originally slated to take on Jake Shields, but the fight fell through when Shields accepted a catchweight bout with No. 2 ranked middleweight Robbie Lawler instead, resulting in Riggs signing to fight Baroni.

Discussing the change in opponent, Riggs said, "It's an easier opponent. It's going to be a lot more exciting of a fight. A lot more people are probably excited about this one than me and Shields."

When the bout agreements were signed between Riggs and Baroni, the banter between the two was respectful, but that quickly changed.

"I think he's just trying to talk himself into it. I think he doubts himself a lot. He's getting older and trying to talk himself into it. That's my opinion. That's what I think he's doing," proclaimed Riggs. "He runs his mouth quite a bit, especially at the press conference he was yapping off at the mouth.

Baroni Found His Niche

Originally posted on MMAweekly.com

Phil Baroni never had trouble selling a fight, but when it came to backing up his words, there were times he couldn’t deliver.

On June 6, though, he wants to deliver for Strikeforce against Joe Riggs.

A nine-year veteran of the sport, Baroni has fought for everyone under the sun and knows how the fight game works. He knows that for the most part, it's just business, and slurs are a part of the game.

“Do I like to talk (expletive)?” he asked. “Depends on who I’m fighting. I always seem to fight (expletive).”

But he says he didn’t have control over perhaps the most important part of his business –preparation for fights. He overtrained, undertrained, neglected huge parts of preparation like, for instance, jiu-jitsu.

Baroni has racked up three quick victories since dropping from welterweight to middleweight, and says he’s turned a corner.

“Losing 16 pounds of muscle helped a lot,” said Baroni. “I never thought I could make weight, and now that I’m able to do it, I’m real excited. I feel like I’m 19 years old again. I feel young. I feel like I should be on a box of Wheaties.”

The native New Yorker is eating soy and hemp along with his usual fish and chicken; he’s not a full-blown vegetarian, but it helps him from bulking up too much.

He’s training jiu-jitsu, finally, with ace Robert Drysdale, and splits his striking work between Shawn Tompkins and Gil Martinez. The wrestlers of Xtreme Couture provide the rest.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAweekly.com

CagePotato Exclusive: 10 Questions With Phil Baroni

Originally posted on CagePotato.com

he idea of a spiritually grounded Phil Baroni kind of freaks us out, to be honest. But the NYBA you knew as a young, brash, self-destructive middleweight is gone, and in his place is an older, wiser, fired-up welterweight who won't quit until he's a world champion. With his fight against Joe Riggs scheduled for the main card of Saturday's Strikeforce show, we called Phil yesterday to chat about sex, steroids, destiny, being reborn at 170, and what he really wants to be remembered for...

***

CAGEPOTATO.COM: So I’ve been watching some of your recent interviews — do you really believe that not having sex helps your athletic performance? I thought that was just some bullshit myth.
PHIL BARONI: Yeah, I believe it. I know it to be a fact, man, especially when it comes to taking punches. You take punches better when you abstain from, ah…punching your own loads out.

How do you explain the science behind that?
Aw man, I’m not a scientist. It makes you fuckin’ mean, I’ll tell you that much. I’m lean and mean right now. It fuckin’ works. You don’t think so, then don’t do it — you’re not a fighter anyway, so who cares?

Don’t you think your wife’s needs should come before your job?

I’ll put it this way dude, I more than make up for it when I don’t have a fight. My wife could use a break anyway. It was a lot easier when I wasn’t married; you could just bring ‘em in the room, one after another, line ‘em up, like when I was in Japan. But I’m married now, so the wife needs a break once in a while.

You’re fighting Joe Riggs on Saturday night. He told us that you might be using steroids right now. Have you ever been “pharmaceutically enhanced”?
No. Never. I wrestled in college and we got tested — there was no time in my life when I wasn’t being tested. I don’t do stuff like that. I don’t need it. Being big and strong has never been something I needed help with.

Click here to read the entire article at CagePotato.com

Shields vs. Lawler Preview

Originally posted WatchKalibRun.com

Phil Baroni (13-10) vs. Joe Riggs (29-10)

The critical question going into this fight is the status of Baroni's cardio.

Phil Baroni is infamous for starting strong and then flaming out in the first round. Much talk has centered on Baroni's newfound training regime at Xtreme Couture but opponent Joe Riggs isn't buying it, labeling his opponent ‘pharmaceuticallyy enhanced' a clear dig at Baroni's former positive steroid test.

If Baroni has in fact improved his cardio than this fight could be a three round war. Far more likely though will be a typical flameout by Baroni with Riggs winning the latter rounds.

Click here to read the entire article

Inside Fights Interview: Joe “The Diesel” Riggs

Originally posted on InsideFights.com

Between January of 2008 and November of that same year, Joe “Diesel” Riggs strung together a streak of eight straight victories.

However, since that streak, the once dominant Riggs could only muster a rather unimpressive record of 8-6.

Riggs feels that all of that is about to change.

Just moments into the second round, Riggs was able to end his fight against Luke Stewart with a devastating flurry of punches, walking away with a technical knockout. This may seem like just another victory, but this victory symbolizes something else for “The Diesel”.


With his most recent victory, Riggs feels he will be able to launch another dynamic winning streak. However, nothing comes easy in MMA. The same can be said for acquiring a victory over Phil Baroni.

Riggs is set to face Baroni at Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields on June 6th. While Baroni may be a daunting opponent to most, Riggs believes that this is where the winning streak begins.

“The last fight was the first one, and I am going to beat the piss out of Bironi June 6th, and make it number two,” stated Joe Riggs on his future opponent’s fate and the beginning of another dominant run for him in MMA.

Riggs is not a stranger to “beating the piss out of” his opponent. With thirteen victories coming from knockout, it is no surprise how he sees himself gaining his 30th victory.

“I am going to knock Phil Baroni out,” stated Riggs.

Click here to read the entire article at InsideFights.com

Lawler vs. Shields Preview & Predictions

Originally posted on Examiner.com

Phil “New York Bad Ass” Baroni (13-10) vs. Joe “Diesel” Riggs (29-10) – 3X5 – 185Lbs: It's doubtful that this fight will go to the ground. Both fighters have won fights via submission, but both are known more for their striking than anything else. With that being said, Riggs has a better record and has fought better opponents, in my opinion. Plus, Baroni is just kind of a jerk, so he's got karma going against him too. Prediction: Riggs by KO.

Click here to read the entire article at Examiner.com

Breakdown: Lawler vs. Shields

Originally posted on FightHype.com

Phil Baroni vs. Joe Riggs
After both of these men were unsuccessful at middleweight, they both dropped down to 170 to try to prove that they can still be a force in MMA. Phil Baroni lost to Joey Villasenor at the first Elite XC even on CBS back in May of 2008. After that, he dropped to welterweight and has is riding a three-fight win streak. The thing that worries people the most is that he couldn't finish the lackluster Olaf Alfanso at PFC 10. Riggs, however, has fought at welterweight for a while now and holds victories over some of the division's best, including Chris Lytle and Nick Diaz...yeah, the same Nick Diaz I was just talking about. His last fight was in November against Luke Stewart, a fight that he won via TKO in the second round. Give the inexperience of Stewart, in most people's eyes, it wasn't an impressive victory. Both men have a lot to prove in this fight. It could very well be the last time we see either one of them in a cage. As of late, Baroni has belittled Riggs, saying that he may back out of the fight when Riggs missed a media conference call. We'll soon find out if that's true at the weigh-ins. Assuming Riggs does show up, I think he'll defeat Baroni with no problem at all, grinding out a decision.

Click here to read the entire article at FightHype.com

Exclusive: Phil Baroni Interview

Originally posted on thegarv.com

On marriage and family life:

James Rowe: You recently got married. How does this affect the NYBA?

Phil Baroni: I’m a better man now I have a good strong woman behind me. I never had that before. I’m lucky and more focused now that I’m fighting for more than myself now.

James Rowe: Congrats. As a consummate wangsman, has the shift to monogamy been difficult?

Phil Baroni: It’s been very easy because my wife is my best friend.

James Rowe: Or is it helping you focus, now that you don’t have to break hearts like it’s nobody’s business?

Phil Baroni: I think I break more hearts now when the ladies see me with my wedding ring on.

James Rowe: Have any priorities changed?

Phil Baroni: Yeah like I said its not only about me anymore.

James Rowe: Any chance of little NYBA coming into the world anytime soon?

Phil Baroni: Yeah in a year oh so. I want a baby now more than she does.

Click here to read the entire article at theGarv.com

Phil Baroni Responds To Joe Riggs

Originally posted on FightLine.com

Fightline.com: How would you describe your fighting style?

Phil Baroni: I love to stop my opponent. I love to knock em' out and make them unconsciousness. I mean, I've always been a fan growing up of fighting and those were the fighters I always liked, guys that knock people out. Mike Tyson and guys like that. I've always wanted to emulate that kind of fighter and put on an amazing show.

Fightline.com: Who are some of the fighters that you look up to?

Baroni: Back in the day Mark Coleman and Frank Shamrock. A lot of guys right now, GSP is on top of his game, Josh Thompson, Gilbert Melendez, you have to love how far Kenny Florian's come, there's a lot of guys. Eddie Alvarez, Fedor is the best, by far, pound for pound. There's a ton of guys.

Fightline.com: You have a fight coming up in two days this Saturday June 6th, in St. Louis Missouri. You're fighting Joe Riggs, a man who had some unflattering things to say about you in his interview with FightLine.com (link). What are your thoughts on what he said?

Baroni: His mouth is writing checks that his ass can't cash. He's got a big mouth. I think he's talking so much now because he's scared. To be real, what's the comeback for that? The time to talk is done. The fight's been promoted already. I can't wait to get it on and show him what I've got. I don't think he's going to last . . . you know, I know he won't last. I know he ain't gonna go the distance, but the longer it lasts, the better. I'm in great shape! It's a mistake. He really has no chance to win. I've already won this fight with my training and preparation. I'm not really worried about what he has to say. I plan on taking care of my business. That's why they like to watch Phil Baroni, because I take care of my business.

Click here to read the entire article at FightLine.com

Strikeforce Predictions

Originally posted on MMAtorch.com

Phil Baroni vs. Joe Riggs: This one's been heating up with both fighters hurling trash talk towards each other as the fight nears. Riggs is still upset he got passed over by Jake Shields in favor of Shields' bout with Lawler on this card and doesn't feel like Baroni's in his league. Well Baroni feels he's a different fighter at 170 lbs. and wants to beat that point into the face of Joe Riggs. This is going to be a fun brawl while it lasts and should provide a path to the next step for both fighters. Baroni's 13-10 record isn't anything special, but he's still got a lot of power in his punches and moreso now at welterweight. His strength and power are going to be what he needs to utilize to win a tough bout. Riggs is over forty fights into his professional career at the age of 26, and it has certainly taken a toll on him physically and mentally in that time. The last few years have been marred by a recurring back injury and a problem with painkillers that forced him to pull out of a bout. He's looking to get back on track and this one should be a back and forth fight on the feet. If Riggs is allowing himself to overlook Baroni because of his belief that Baroni's not on his level then he'll be brought back to Earth quickly. This is going to be a much more even fight than he's thinking it will be but if Riggs is in shape and ready for a fight he'll take a unanimous decision.

Click here to read the entire article at MMAtorch.com

Riggs Calls out Baroni

Originally posted on 5thround.com

With their slug-fest just days away, MMA vet Joe Riggs believes that his Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” opponent, Phil Baroni, has very little confidence in his own abilities and that is why he turns to steroids.

“He always shows up in shape, looking shredded and puffed up, but I think he’ll be pharmaceutically enhanced, too,” Riggs told CagePotato.com. “Just because he doesn’t test positive for steroids doesn’t mean he’s not on them right now.”

Baroni was recently suspended by the California State Athletic Commission after he tested positive for two types of steroids, Boldenone and Stanozolol Metabolites, following his loss to Frank Shamrock at Strikeforce/EliteXC’s “Judgment Day” back in June of 2007.

Despite the embarrassment and year-long suspension, Riggs isn’t quite sure that “The New York Bad Ass” is completely clean today.

“…I don’t want to say that he’s on them for sure, because I don’t have any way of knowing that, but I do know that he’s done it in the past,” Riggs said. “I think he’s the kind of guy who relies on stuff like that because he doesn’t truly believe in himself.

Click here to read the entire article at 5thRound.com

Phil Baroni Talks Riggs

Originally posted on MMAunltd.com

Phil Baroni is looking to extend his unbeaten streak at welterweight and make an impact in the division. Strikeforce's champion, Jake Shields, moves up in weight to take on Robbie Lawler this Saturday due to the lack of big fights for him currently available.

This signifies a great moment for the 'New York Bad Ass' to cement his status as a contender by taking on Joe 'Diesel' Riggs on
the same card this weekend.

Regarding his possible contention, Baroni said to us, "When I beat Joe it will definitely put me in place to fight for a title."

Modestly, he also added, "But my focus is on Riggs. 'Winning takes care of everything' is what my father has always preached to me so I'm going to beat Riggs first."

The former undefeated amateur boxer and kickboxer is known for his heavy hands and spectacular knockouts, you don't have to look back very far to wins over Scott Jansen and Ron Verdadero which prove Baroni still has dynamite in his fists. That said, he is aware his opponent Riggs is also well rounded.

"I think he has a great top game and he is well rounded. His game is complete, but on top is where he is best and most dangerous."

Click here to read the entire article

Strikeforce Fight Week Preview: Phil Baroni Vs. Joe Riggs

Originally posted on BleacherReport.com

Breakdown

With 67 career fights between them, the word 'veteran' seems a bit weak here. Baroni is a notable hard hitter as eight of his 13 wins have come via KO, but he hasn't fought since last September, a long layoff for a guy entering his mid-30s.

That hasn't stopped him from talking a big game if you've been paying attention to any of the media surrounding him this week.

Riggs should have a bit of a chip on his shoulder as he was originally slated to fight Jake Shields, but Shields wanted a bigger fight and well, he got it. There are some concerns with Riggs' consistency as recent years have taken on a win one, lose one trend.

Baroni will have to be wary of Riggs' fists (15 KOs) and his submission skills (13 tapouts), both of which he is susceptible to. A title run seems highly improbable, but if a guy on the main card decided to skip past me, I'd be a bit pissed too.

Click here to read the entire article at BleacherReport.com