“You know any Jersey boy like me likes a ‘New York Bad Ass’ and Phil’s definitely as bad as they come. Phil is a promoter’s dream. He’s a character but also as courageous a fighter as I’ve been around. But what I truly love about him is he always comes not only to fight but to win and put on a show. He’s a crowd-pleaser extraordinaire. This is a great addition to the EliteXC family and we are thrilled to sign him. Fans can expect to see Phil back in the cage and fighting his heart out very soon.'’
Those were the words from EliteXC Live Events President, Gary Shaw, on Saturday as he announced the signing of Phil Baroni (10-8) to a multi year contract with EliteXC.
Baroni’s last fight was against Frank Shamrock in June of last year during the main event of a co-promotion between Strikeforce and EliteXC. Baroni showed a lot of heart in the fight, but was eventually choked unconscious.
After the loss, Baroni tested positive for Boldenone and Stanozolol — both anabolic steroids. He appealed the $2,500 fine and the year-long suspension and was able to get the suspension reduced to six months.
“The New York Bad Ass” has now been cleared to fight and wasted no time signing with the up-and-coming promotion. The contract allows Baroni the freedom to still fight in Strikeforce, as well as the other promotions under the ProElite banner.
His first fight will be with the Hawaiian-based Icon Sport promotion, which is owned by ProElite. His opponent will be Kala Kolohe Hose for the vacant division title.
Here’s what Baroni had to say about the signing:
“”This is a great deal and opportunity. I appreciate EliteXC sticking with me and believing in me enough to sign me. I’m looking forward to returning to the cage and kicking (butt). Everybody knows I got hurt early and couldn’t do everything I wanted to do against Shamrock. But I’m 100 percent now, ready for anybody. I pity the guy I fight next, or the one after that. Trust me, everybody is going to pay from here on out.'’
Robbie Lawler has been stripped of his title because of injuries, opening up a great opportunity for Baroni to capture the title.
From TJ Thompson:
“Last year was a rough year. For various illnesses and injuries Robbie Lawler pulled out of three Icon events in 2007. It’s not fair. It’s not fair to Icon Sport. Not fair to Kala Kolohe Hose who has been waiting nearly a year for his title shot. And, most importantly, it’s not fair to our fans.”
Lawler had this to say in his defense:
“I’m disappointed and upset. But I understand why this happening. In 2007 I did well when I was healthy. I took out Trigg and then I beat Ninja. I accept the decision, but I promise everyone that I will return. And I will get my belt back.”
Should be a good one.
Written by admin on February 9th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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Props: M1MixFight.com
Quoteworthy:
“I’m a businessman now. I won’t come back. Sure I think about it every once in a while, but I’m 35, you know. The main problem is the injuries. I can’t even strike with my right hand. I got three screws in my right elbow and one in the left. I’m about to undergo an operation on my nose as I can’t breathe right. To sum things up, there is no sense in my comeback.”
One of the baddest men in mixed martial arts in the early days, Igor Vovchanchyn, finally puts to rest any rumors that he will return to professional competition. I can’t believe he’s only 35 … I’m older than I realize. Regardless, it’s a sad day.
A tribute to the “Ukrainian Killer:”
Written by admin on February 9th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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“There’s a good chance (Forrest Griffin) wins the fight (with Rampage Jackson) and that means I’m in line to get the next fight.”
– Top 205-pound contender Keith Jardine tells 15Rounds.com that if he wins his next fight, which is rumored to be against Wanderlei Silva, he’ll get the next shot at the light heavyweight crown … if Forrest Griffin can defeat current champ, Rampage Jackson. There was no explanation as to what happens if Rampage retains the belt; however, it’s safe to say that he’ll earn the winner of the June clash between Chuck Liddell and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. Jardine already defeated Griffin, creating a marketable rematch between two well-known contestants on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
Written by admin on February 9th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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Much like another famous Wild West gunslinger Billy the Kid, Carlos Condit (20-4) is blazing a trail back home to New Mexico. “The Natural Born Killer” headlines the WEC: “Condit vs. Prater” event on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, from the Santa Ana Star Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The WEC live event, which will feature not one, not two but three championship fights, is slated to air on The Versus Network at 9 p.m. ET. It marks the first time since the Zuffa purchase that the WEC will venture outside the confines of Las Vegas, Nevada to host an event.
Jiu-jitsu ace Condit defends his welterweight belt in front of his hometown crowd against the formidable Carlo Prater (21-5-1). The Albuquerque native looks to avenge his first ever pro loss at the hands of Prater. Prater hopes that history repeats itself as his previous victory over Condit was four years ago in Albuquerque.
In what promises to be an exciting lightweight championship match, Muay Thai knock-out artist “Razor” Rob McCullough (15-3) defends his title against submission specialist Jamie “The Worm” Varner (13-2). The two fighters have had a total of only five fights go the distance, so this one is likely to end early, either with Varner taking a nap or McCullough tapping.
Miguel Torres (20-1) comes into his bantamweight championship fight riding an amazing 13-fight win streak with three knockout wins and 10 submission victories. Champion Chase Beebe (13-1) has also been on a roll, winning his last six fights with four submissions and two decisions. Both fighters hail from Chicago, so Windy City supremacy is on the line as well as the WEC bantamweight championship.
The undercard features a hard-hitting fighter climbing his way up the bantamweight ranks, Manny Tapia. “The Manger” puts his undefeated mark on the line against undersized Antonio Banuelos in what could be a quick night of work for Tapia.
Leonard Garcia — who was in a UFC 2007 “Fight of the Year”-type battle with Roger Huerta — makes his WEC debut against K-1 and Shooto veteran, Hiroyuki Takaya, in a battle of entertaining featherweights.
Nineteen-year-old featherweight phenom and WEC newcomer, Josh Grispi, faces a stern test in his bout with the proven Mark “The Machine” Hominick. American Top Team member and brother of Ultimate Fighter Cole Miller, Micah Miller and former WEC featherweight title challenger, Chance Farrar, meet in a bout of once-beatens.
And the always-exciting Charlie Valencia locks horns with experienced Japanese fighter Yoshiro Maeda in bantamweight action.
Here’s the complete line up for WEC: “Condit vs. Prater:”
170lbs: Carlos Condit (20-4) vs. Carlo Pater (21-5-1) vs. for the WEC welterweight title
155lbs: Rob McCullough (14-3) vs. Jamie Varner (10-1) vs. for the lightweight title
135lbs: Chase Beebe (12-1) vs. Miguel Torres (18-1) vs. for the bantamweight title
135lbs: Manny Tapia (9-0-1) vs. Antonio Banuelos (15-4)
145lbs: Hiroyuki Takaya (9-4-1) vs. Leonard Garcia (14-3)
145lbs: Josh Grispi (10-1) vs. Mark Hominick (12-7)
135lbs: Del Hawkins (22-12) vs. Coy Wheeler (6-1)
135lbs: Charlie Valencia (9-3) vs. Yoshiro Maeda (22-4-2)
145lbs: Micah Miller (8-1) vs. Chance Farrar (5-1)
135lbs: Scott Jorgensen (4-1) vs. Jess Moreng (8-1)
This is going to be a fantastic night of fights — don’t miss it!
Note: MMAmania.com reader Stephen Roe contributed to this write up.
Written by admin on February 9th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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