MMAOUTSIDER.COM

Recently signed fighter Phil Baroni answered a few questions from FanHouse.com about his return to the UFC.

Barnoi is 3-1 in his past four bouts, losing his last fight to Joe Riggs at the “Strikeforce: Lawlor vs. Shields” event this past June. His last appearance in the UFC was back at UFC 51 on Feb 5, 2005 where he lost to Pete Sell via submission. That marked an eight fight stint with the UFC.

FanHouse: How did this deal with the UFC coming about?
Phil Baroni: Strikeforce cut me to re-sign me for less money after my [Joe] Riggs fight — they offered Erik Apple. I got an offer from the UFC that was much better and I took it.

FanHouse: How long did it take for this deal to get done?
Phil Baroni:Fast. I agreed to the terms and money without hesitation. [Baroni's agent] Ken Pavia e-mailed me the deal; I signed it, and had my wife fax it while I went for a quick six-mile run.

FanHouse: Will you be competing as a welterweight or middleweight?
Phil Baroni:I’m a true welterweight.

FanHouse: When do you think you will make your UFC return?
Phil Baroni:ASAP. I want to fight and show people what I am and what I got. I’m a tough little fighter; a real fighter.

FanHouse: Were you released from Strikeforce or did you leave on your own?
Phil Baroni:I was released so I could sign a contract with contenders. I did not want to fight on [the] contenders show for less money, so I signed with the UFC for more.

Check out the rest of the interview by visiting FanHouse.com.