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A Few Words with An Original
By Loretta Hunt

Phil Baroni Loud. Brash. Cocky. Bold. Middleweight contender Phil Baroni has probably been called all of these things, as his in-your-face self promotion has attracted (and detracted) droves of fans curious to hear what he'll say next. Now add exciting to that list as well. For all of his talk outside the ring, Baroni is beginning to deliver the type of performances that complement the hype he preaches. His last fight at UFC 37 turned more than a few heads, when his concentrated aggressiveness allowed him to capitalize on Russian opponent Amar Suloev's hesitant play. Suloev, a world-class kickboxer, had been hailed as one of the "next big things" to hit the sport. Baroni thought to the contrary. Now taking on returning former UFC middleweight champion Dave Menne, a win for Baroni could secure him the title bout he's been working towards. Catching up with Phil between training sessions at the Mohegan Sun, his mood is focused and confident. This fighter means business.

FCF:   Phil, you've been uncharacteristically quiet lately. How has your training been going?
PB:     I've been training real hard and breaking my ass. I've been training at One Kick Nick's and the Las Vegas Combat Club.

FCF:   Have you officially made the move out to Las Vegas?
PB:     Yes, I'm living in Vegas now and I like it a lot.

FCF:   You made quite a statement with your last performance at UFC 37. Have there been any changes in your training since your last fight?
PB:     My last fight was Amar Suleov and the difference in training from that fight to this one is that I'm working a lot more on my stand up. I'm ready to rock and roll.

FCF:   If you could control where this fight is going with Menne, where would you like it to go?
PB:     I'm ready to fight anywhere -- anywhere it goes. I'm just going to go out there and be dangerous.

FCF:   Knockout or submission. What would be your weapon of choice?
PB:     Of course, knockout. I'm always looking for the knockout.

FCF:   What are your thoughts on your opponent Dave Menne?
PB:     He's the former UFC champ. He's got tons of experience. I'm using him as a stepping stone to get what I want -- the belt. I'm going right through him.

Zab Judah, Derek Panza, Beetle King and Phil Baroni after the Stuttering John/Crazy Cabbie fight

FCF:   How important do you think this fight is within the overall middleweight picture?
PB:     This fight is huge within the middleweight class. It's a huge fight for me. Every fight is my biggest fight yet. I'm looking to take it to him and knock him out. I want to prove to everyone that I'm the best 185-pounder in the world.

FCF:   If you get past Menne, who would you like to fight next?
PB:     When I get past Menne, I'll fight Bustamante or anyone else in my division.

FCF:   Are you saying you feel you'll be entitled to a title shot if you win this fight?
PB:     It's up to them -- my people and the UFC -- to determine who I fight next. Of course, I think I'm ready to fight Bustamante. I'm ready to fight him tonight. I'll fight him after I knock out Menne.

FCF:   Menne's a tough, resilient fighter…
PB:     Yeah, he's tough and well rounded but not so much as me. I'm big and strong and faster and nastier -- as well as better looking.

FCF:   How does it feel to return to fight in front of the East Coast crowd?
PB:     It feels great to be back here in front of all my fans. I'll have all the New York fans in attendance and they'll be going crazy for their hero. Menne's getting knocked the fuck out!

FCF:   Any special message you'd like to pass on to the fans?
PB:     Don't blink.
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