Report: Phil Baroni moving to 170 lbs.
June 23, 2008 by Adam Morgan
Pavia did say, however, “Whoever Phil’s next fight is, it will take place at 170 pounds.” He said that in surveying the MMA landscape, there aren’t many fighters in the welterweight division with the one-punch knockout power that Baroni possesses, presenting an opportunity for Baroni to move into the weight class for the first time in his career.
“He’s going to fight at 170,” said Pavia. “He’s at 182 (pounds) right now.”
This could be just what Baroni needs to rejuvenate his career. We’ll see, only time will tell. 170 lbs. is a stacked weight class across the board and there are more than enough intriguing matchups for him there. No matter what, he’s a showman and an entertaining fighter so no matter what weight class he’s at, people are going to watch. Best of luck to Baroni at the new weight class.
Adam, I have a question for you. “170 lbs. is a stacked weight class across the board and there are more than enough intriguing matchups for him there.”
Exactly who were you planning on Baroni fighting at 170? Shields would kill him. Not sure if Elite even has enough fighters to feed Shields, let alone any “intriguing” matchups for Baroni. I think Baroni needs to make a play at the UFC at 170, or the WEC or even Dream. Baroni vs Sakurai for the title would be an interesting fight. I just don’t see Elite being a good place for Baroni to make the drop. Maybe I am missing something, help me out here.
I know people have a soft spot for Phil, and he’s definitely a charismatic guy, but at this point he’d be better off becoming a professional wrestler. Despite a game performance vs Frank in which he was clearly overmatched and outclassed, he’s looked just awful in his last two fights.
Sure, he’ll have a puncher’s chance…but is that what we want for the sport right now? Matchups where the best chance one of the guys has is a wild ass punch? I think the sport has moved beyond that. There isn’t anyone on the UFCs current WW roster that Phil could beat, and probably not many on the WEC roster either. The days where wrestling, superior strength, and punching power could win the day are (thankfully) behind us.
I don’t know where to start with this one, Baroni is like 10-10..Baroni is fun to hear talk and have in the fight game but his window as a fighter is closing fast, he’s obviously desparate to get his fighting career back on track, so he can’t win in the UFC,EliteXC and barely won in Pride..Good Luck Phil..
I’ll watch Baroni get his ass handed to him any day of the week.
Good move guy with no ground game. Move to a division full of good wrestlers.
Baroni vs. shamrock til the death. and the winner has to agree to never fight again.
I’m a little suprised to find out he could actually make 170…then again height never comes across that well on TV. This could be a great move for Baroni, I’ve always thought that the amount of muscle he carries around works against his stamina.
Everyone is quick to slam Baroni, but let’s not forget how much of this sport is mental. Baroni definately has the athletic ability, although his conditioning could obviously use improvement. However, if we could see Phil get himself into the right state of mind and get a decent streak going he could still be a serious problem for his opponents.
He’s still beaten some bad ass guys.
wow.. Baroni at WW? That’s never even crossed my mind once.. i guess that’s a pleasant suprise..
he is short for MW and WW is the better weight for him. lets see joe riggs v. baroni !
Don’t u guys know, Phil the best evvvvvvvvvva
Baroni dances better then he fights- and his dancing is horrible
A lot of people like to criticize Baroni because of his trash talk but i think at 170 he’s a possible contender for any organization as long as he can get back into his old rythmn like when he fought Menne or Suloev, i dont know of any 170 pound fighter with his chin or with his power.