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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.comLabels: Phil Baroni
MMAjunkie.com Radio: Phil Baroni in studio and ready to make an announcement
Welterweight Phil Baroni released by Strikeforce; reportedly "likely" to sign with UFC
Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Following a June defeat at the hands of Joe Riggs, welterweight slugger Phil Baroni (13-11) was today officially released from his contract with Strikeforce. Baroni fought just twice for the organization, compiling an 0-2 record. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said he wasn't ruling out a future relationship with the "New York Bad Ass," providing Baroni can put together a win streak in the welterweight division. "We wish Phil the best of luck and hope he can revive his career," Coker said. "If he can, maybe one day he can return and fight for us." Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Phil Baroni
Passed on for Nick Diaz fight, Strikeforce's Phil Baroni says future will be different
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com Strikeforce welterweight brawler Phil Baroni (13-11) was the first person to raise his hand when the organization was in need for a replacement opponent for Nick Diaz. It's the warrior mentality that has been a career hallmark of the "New York Bad Ass," but it wasn't enough for Showtime to allow Baroni to step in for Joe Riggs on the main card of the Aug. 15 event, "Carano vs. Cyborg." Baroni recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) he was a bit disappointed that he wasn't allowed to take the fight, and he's using that emotion to fuel his next trip to the cage. "With Showtime, I haven't done as well as I planned for them," Baroni said. "They're not high on me, so they don't think I'm worthy of a fight with Nick." Showtime has broadcast two of Baroni's career losses – a June decision to Joe Riggs and a June 2007 submission defeat to Frank Shamrock. But Baroni believes the potential fireworks of a matchup with Diaz should have been enough to warrant a slot on the card. "If I would have won the fight (with Riggs), [Diaz and I] would have been fighting each other," Baroni said. "The fight was a decision. I thought I was the No. 1 guy that would definitely be able to fill in. Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Phil Baroni
Phil Baroni to Sengoku
Originally posted on DemandMMA.com UFC and Pride veteran “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni (13-11) has exclusively informed us at DemandMMA that his next fight will be for the Japanese promotion Sengoku, and it is tentatively scheduled for the September 23rd, Sengoku 10 event. While no opponent is confirmed, Baroni believes he will be facing Pride veteran Makoto Takimoto (5-5). Takimoto, though posting a .500 record, has faced unbelievably stiff competition in his relatively short career, facing the likes of Frank Trigg, Zelg Galesic, Gegard Mousasi, Evangelista Santos, among others. Takimoto’s most impressive win came at Yarennoka 2007 when he earned a split decision victory over former UFC middleweight champion, Murilo Bustamante. Click here to read the entire article on DemandMMA.comLabels: Phil Baroni
MMAjunkie.com Radio: Strikeforce's Phil Baroni in studio
Phil Baroni workout photos: An MMAjunkie.com image gallery
 Originally posted on MMAjunkie.com MMA veteran Phil Baroni and MMA newcomer Satoshi Ishii, a 2008 Summer Olympics judo gold medalist, recently ventured to the beaches of Huntington Beach, Calif., for an open workout. Photographer Rav Holly captured images of the fighters and the workout for MMAjunkie.com. Check out the image gallery and get an up-close look of the duo. Click here to read the entire article on MMAjunkie.comLabels: Phil Baroni
Baroni on Bisping: "Better Than I Thought"
Originally posted on Sherdog.com When you think of team players, does Phil Baroni’s name come to mind? Well, it should. Hearing that Michael Bisping’s training camp was forming in Las Vegas in anticipation of his featured middleweight bout with Dan Henderson at UFC 100, the outspoken “New York Bad Ass” requested a spot on the squad. The first one laced and padded up, Baroni was a constant man in motion Monday night at the Tapout gym, where the team congregated for its evening session. Baroni, Josh Hall, Mario Neto and Zach Light all rotated in on Bisping with sparring for five-minute intervals to keep the Brit on his toes. Baroni, a veteran of many a dogfight in the sport’s history, has been impressed with what he’s seen. “The guy’s a lot better than I thought,” said Baroni. “I wrestled and rolled with him, and he’s hard as f--- to take down, hard to hold down. He’s a lot stronger than he looks. He looks good, fit, but he’s strong. He’s fast, he’s an athlete. He’s a f---king good athlete. That’s the most surprising thing.” Baroni’s verve brings a positive dynamic to the camp, which seems to mesh together an equal amount of respect and drive. Everyone pitches in with their specific talents (whether it be jiu-jitsu or banging), then gets out of the way when their turn is over. Bisping’s noted work ethic hasn’t waned either. Click here to read the entire article at Sherdog.comLabels: Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Brett Rogers, Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Brett Rogers, Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Brett Rogers, Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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. Labels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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 articleLabels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
ESPN Primer: Strikforce
Originally posted on ESPN.com Fight of the night: A dead heat between Diaz-Smith and Arlovski-Brett Rogers, two bouts pre-destined to end with someone taking their postfight recovery drink through a straw. Hype quote of the show: "I'm on edge right now. Don't cross me now because I haven't had sex in four weeks and I'm on a diet. I'm ready to kill someone. This is going to be a war and I'm in total fight mode. I don't even know what I'm talking about right now. Next question." -- Phil Baroni Click here to read the entire article at ESPN.comLabels: Brett Rogers, Phil Baroni
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.comLabels: Joe Riggs, Phil Baroni
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