Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Middleweight Grudge Match

*originally published in Feb '03 on fullcontactfighter.com*

There’s no doubt where all the trash talking on the card would normally be emanating from – for choice words on any opponent, just look for the “New York Badass”. At Onslaught, Phil Baroni faces Matt Lindland in what could best be described as a middleweight grudge match, but while Baroni, 6-1, has made insults and threats one of the cornerstones of his career (the other cornerstones would be his work ethic, dramatically improved fighting skills and knockout hands!), it is now Lindland who has taken over the role of resident big mouth. But Baroni’s stunning 18-second KO over former middleweight champ Dave Menne at UFC 39 has shown that he’s definitely not all talk. Stepping into the Octagon to face the Olympic silver medalist in a rematch of their epic UFC 34 bout, Baroni promises this one will be nothing like the first time they met. Since that loss via decision, he’s been sending his opponents into dreamland – and he’s aiming to lay a beat down on the wrestler as he makes his way towards the belt.

An undefeated Lindland (aka the “Law”) faced champ Murilo Bustamante at UFC 37 - and came up short. Losing via submission, he returned at UFC 39 to dominate AMC Pankration grappler Ivan Salaverry, and returns with total confidence in his ability to control Baroni like he did before. He’s a competitor,” says Silva on the Olympic wrestler with the 8-1 MMA record. This is a guy who his whole life he’s competed against the best in the whole world. He adds: “Both guys have improved a lot since they fought each other last – but he’s got more of an attitude about it this time!

And what of Baroni? I got see him train a lot, and I think he’s improved by leaps and bounds. With his last couple performances, you can dispute that he’s fast, he’s strong… I think this could be the fight of the night.”

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