Interview with UFC Fighter Phil Baroni Interviewed by Ben Tatar of CriticalBench.com - May 2010
Phil Baroni was a legend in the Toughman competitions and then made his way fighting in the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Ben Tatar from Critical Bench talked to Phil about life as a UFC fighter.
Critical Bench: Phil how did you get involved in fighting?
I always wanted to be a fighter growing up. It has always been my passion.
Critical Bench: Did you get into a lot of fights as a kid?
Yes, I did. I got into a lot of fights especially with older kids.
Critical Bench: You were dominating in Toughman competitions, what was that like?
It was fun, I loved it.
Critical Bench: What are your thoughts on not winning the championship? Many people thought you were robbed.
Not winning the championship sucked. You can definitely say I was robbed.
Critical Bench: Well, it worked out in some way as you moved on to bigger and better things, like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship.) Is fighting in the UFC everything you expected it to be?
Yes it is everything I expected. I love it. I love the whole thing and everything about being a UFC fighter.
Critical Bench: What was your favorite thing about being a UFC Fighter?
My favorite thing is just being a fighter in the UFC. It gives me a sense of pride!
Critical Bench: How are most of the UFC guys behind the scenes?
Just like other guys behind the scenes. Some are cool, some are dicks.
Critical Bench: Phil, not only are you a fighter, but you are a bodybuilder. Tell us about your training routine.
I just started lifting again. Push one day, pull another and legs on the third day. It's basic and simple and I am getting stronger!
Critical Bench: Tell us about your diet.
I eat 6 meals a day. 30 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbs and last meal is no carbs. I eat oat meal, brown rice and soba noodles for my carbs. I strive for lean proteins, a lot of fish and chicken. It's a basic bodybuilding principle diet. Also I eat a lot of green vegetables.
Critical Bench: Phil, who was your toughest opponent thus far?
Myself hands down.
Critical Bench: Great answer. Tell us about your sickest knockout ever!
When I KO'ed Dave Menne was a huge one for me. Also when I stomped on Minowa's head about ten times was pretty bad.
Critical Bench: What makes Phil Baroni different from everyone else?
I never give up. Plain and simple.
Critical Bench: How do you want to be remembered?
As far as fighting goes, I would like to be remembered as a tough kid with tons of heart and will power.
Critical Bench: What is your advice for someone who wants to do Toughman or UFC?
Train hard and find someone you can trust to guide you.
Critical Bench: What goes through your head before a fight?
Man, pretty much do an endure. Whatever it takes to win. No matter how bad it gets, keep fighting and find a way to win.
Critical Bench: Any funny stories you would like to share?
I have a bad stomach before fights and my warm up is always on the toilet. In Japan they would be calling me to fight, Mark Coleman would be screaming wait I'm on the toilet don't start the music.
Critical Bench: That's crazy! Where is your favorite city that you have traveled to?
Amsterdam was fun, I liked Osaka a lot, but Italy was my favorite country to visit. I also love Hawaii.
Critical Bench: Phil you are a warrior and you have lots of great memories. It was great talking to you today. In closing who would you like to thank?
I want to thank my wife for putting up with all my shit and letting my training partners live with me! She does the cooking, cleaning and laundry for us, she is the best! I want to thank my friends and family for their support. My trainers and training partners for helping me with my preparations. My agent for thankless work and most of all my fans for all the years of loyal support and believing in me. I'm still young, growing and improving. Chuck was never a champ until 36; the best is yet to come! I'm working very hard and I will win a world championship!
I have a bad stomach before fights and my warm up is always on the toilet. In Japan they would be calling me to fight, Mark Coleman would be screaming wait I'm on the toilet don't start the music.
