Five Questions with The New York Badass Phil Baroni – Episode 2
By Dave Carpinello
As a veteran of 38 fights in combat sports (31 mixed martial arts, 7 kickboxing), “The New York Badass” Phil Baroni has amassed an extensive amount of knowledge on the subject and PunchDrunkGamer is going to share it with the fans. Baroni will be stopping by every couple of weeks to give his opinions and thoughts on current and past mixed martial arts and kickboxing events, controversies and storylines. This exclusive series is brought to you by Future Legend and Duke Skywalker.
1. What did you think of Georges St-Pierre’s recent title defense against Nick Diaz at UFC 158?
Phil Baroni – “He fought well. GSP is always on top of his game and he always does what he needs to do to get his hand raised when it is all said and done. I thought GSP was looking a bit tired in the championship rounds and that is something that I have never seen from him before. So you have to give Diaz credit for at least getting the champ tired. You know that when that final bell rang and the fight was over, George knew that he had been in a battle.”
2. Recently there has been a lot of controversy regarding Fallon Fox (the transgendered fighter) who is fighting women, she/he is expected to fight at Championship Fighting Alliance 11; what is your opinion on former men fighting women?
Phil Baroni – “I am definitely not a fan, it is unfair to the women and that is the end of the story. That being said, if she wants to fight and girls are willing to fight her, so be it.”
3. The next episode of The Ultimate Fighter is going to be a mixed house of both male and female fighters, do you have any predictions on how that will work out?
Phil Baroni – “It should be entertaining, all the dudes are going to be trying to get laid by the hottest chicks and when they lose they will have nothing better to do than hook up. It is a breath of fresh air coming to a stale TV show and it could be really interesting.”
4. In your career you have fought all over the world:
-What country/state had the craziest fans?
Phil Baroni – “I like the east coast fans, the New York and New Jersey fans, they are my people and hardcore. The best place to have an after fight victory party is in Las Vegas.”
-What country/state did you enjoy the most (Fight wise and Party wise)?
Phil Baroni – “Manila, everything went great and it couldn’t have went better in any way.”
-Any vacation destination recommendations for your fans?
Phil Baroni – “I like to vacation in Thailand if I am going for a long vacation (over 2 weeks), not to mention mixing in some training. If you go make sure you check out Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, it is super beautiful there, or go to Boracai and check out Ole “Iron Fist” Laursen’s Legacy Gym. I also love Italy and to be honest you cant go wrong with either place.”
5. You are fighting Nobutatsu Suzuki at ONE FC 9: Kings & Champions, what do you think about your opponent and what advantages do you see for yourself going into this fight?
Phil Baroni – “I saw him fight and he looks tough. He wins by Knock Out, he has nine wins and nine knockouts and he has only lost once by submission. I’m no submission guy so it is going to be a tough fight and we will both be going for the KO. I am already training hard for the fight because I really want to win again in Manila. This is a very important fight for me, so I will be ready. I have more experience in big fights than he does and I am the more active fighter so those are my advantages. I am going to knock him out and be happy!”
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