The hard-hitting middleweight, who suffered a TKO loss to undefeated up-and-comer Brad Tavares at this past weekend's UFC 125 event, was subsequently released by the world's biggest MMA promotion. MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed the roster move with sources close to Baroni (13-13 MMA, 3-7 UFC). The 34-year-old's release was first reported by Versus.com. The always-entertaining Baroni has already received offers from at least five different smaller organizations according to sources close to the "New York Bad Ass." Baroni debuted for the UFC in February 2001. A former bodybuilder, Baroni earned a unanimous decision over Curtis Stout at UFC 30 before dropping a majority decision to Matt Lindland at UFC 34. The brash slugger bounced back with a TKO win over Amar Suloev at UFC 37 and then notched a career signature victory with an 18-second knockout of former UFC champion Dave Menne at UFC 39. Baroni then dropped four-straight fights in the octagon and was released by the UFC. The brash New Yorker then signed with the Japan-based PRIDE organization, where he went 4-2 in a six-fight run that included a memorable two-fight battle with Ikuhisa Minowa, as well as four stoppage wins. After brief stops in the Strikeforce and EliteXC promotions, Baroni returned to the UFC in November 2009. The fan-favorite suffered back-to-back octagon losses to Amir Sadollah and Taveres before receiving his walking papers. I dont know why they signed him in the first place. Typical UFC bullish tactics from the UFC to prevent SF from getting him. He'll probably pop up on a DREAM card in March/April or back to SF.
The UFC had to honor the Pride contracts when they bought out Pride. That's why we saw guys like Baroni and Hunt make their way to the UFC.
That kid was too tall and long for Baroni's striking techniques. Baroni should have grappled more. Hindsight is 20/20. . .
i have always liked baroni, its a shame he couldnt get a few wins on his comeback to the ufc. hope he can do well in another organisation.
Baroni didnt deserve the 2nd chance anyway but kinda sucks we wont see the guy he is very entertaining.
He is a journeyman/gatekeeper. Guys build their record on him. He could be in SF, maybe Dream, maybe lower. A 13-13 fighter fighting so low on the card shouldn't be in the UFC. A 13-13 fighter can only be in the UFC if they happen to be against incredible fighters i.e. Couture. Even then he is not 13-13! He was re-signed coming off of a loss.
He is friends with Dana and is an exciting fight, win or lose. In what way did the UFC use any "bull**** tactics"? He got a PPV fight and a chance to revive his career. What else do you want them to do, pay the opponent to lose?
Why not? He is after all the BEST EVER... IM THE ****ING MAN! ......And he actually believed it..... Baroni was perfect for PRIDE. He's a showman and little else.