Phil Baroni Talks About Shamrock

1. There was a huge war of words with Frank [Shamrock]. How did that animosity between you guys start?
BARONI: We were rivals for years. He was always talking shit about me and my fights.

2. Does that animosity help or hurt once you get inside the ring?
BARONI: It helps. Is it easier to smash a spider or a cute bunny?

3. Did he say anything that really bothered you?
BARONI: Yes, that I was a hand picked opponent and I didn't belong in the ring with him.

4. What was your No. 1 concern about his fighting skills?
BARONI: His ground game and cardio.

5. What was your strategy for Shamrock?
BARONI: I wanted to be in great shape, push the pace and keep the fight standing.

6. He taunted you a little during the fight. Why? And what did you think?
BARONI: I just kept thinking, "OK, motherfu**er. Wait until I get the upper hand.

7. Assess your overall performance.
BARONI: I'd say a C. I am a lot better than I fought. There were a lot of issues that prevented me from being at my best. I'd love to rematch him and show him what I got.

8. Did he talk to you during the fight? If so, what did he say?
BARONI: Yes, but I couldn't understand him.

9. Describe the ending.
BARONI: It sucked.

10. What do you do differently next time?
BARONI: Move my head, respect his power and get off first.

11. What's next in regard to fights?
BARONI: I want to heal up and get back at it ASAP.

12. Any injuries from the fight? If so, did that impact the fight?
BARONI: I tore my groin muscle, suffered a hernia and tore two small muscles around the groin. I don't want to make excuses about the injuries; they are part of fighting and that happens in a fight. If I hadn't torn my groin or get the hernia, I could have fought better. But, I guess I'll never really know.

13. Do you want to add anything else?
BARONI: I'll be back. You haven't seen the last of me. I still have a lot of fight left in me. I am gonna train harder and win a world title. I also want to thank my fans for their support over the years, as well as my family for always coming to my fights and supporting me. I'd also like to thank my fiancee. It may sound corny, but if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have been able to fight. Behind every great champion is a great woman. Look at Randy [couture]. Now I have one behind me. We have a spot in our house picked out where we are gonna put my belts, and we also have mirrors for the ceiling that I got to put up.

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The Fight

SAN JOSE, California - Before a crowd of 10,850 attending EliteXC-Strikeforce's live MMA event produced and distributed on SHOWTIME PPV. Frank Shamrock became the first Strikeforce middleweight (185 lb. limit) champion in history by submitting Phil "The New York Bad Ass" Baroni. The victory came via a rear naked choke four minutes into the second round.