Philip George Baroni (April 16, 1976) is an American former mixed martial artist, kickboxer, boxer, and professional wrestler.

As of January 2023, Phil Baroni is detained in Valle de Banderas, Mexico, over an alleged murder of his girlfriend.

Baroni attended Nassau Community College and became a two time All-American wrestler there, placing fifth and second in the nation.

His signature win was a decisive KO victory over former UFC Middleweight Champion Dave Menne on September 27, 2002.

Baroni joined Hammer House soon thereafter and rebounded in Japan's PRIDE Fighting Championships promotion with several knockout victories against Ikuhisa Minowa, Ryo Chonan, and Yuki Kondo.

On June 4, 2006, Baroni was summarily defeated by Ikuhisa Minowa, whom he had developed a rivalry with, via unanimous decision in the Bushido Welterweight Grand Prix 183 lb (83 kg) tournament in 2005.

In the post-fight interview Baroni humorously admitted that he did not know the name of the hold he applied and only saw it on television a couple days before the fight.

Following the Shamrock fight, the California State Athletic Commission announced that Baroni tested positive for two types of anabolic steroids, boldenone and stanozolol.

While it did not appear among the 40 facilities recommended by the CSAC, Carlson appealed to the fighter as a rare lab that tested for both DNA and steroids.

Baroni faced Hawaii's Kala Hose on March 15, 2008 for the vacant ICON Sport Middleweight title.

[6] Hose ultimately defeated Baroni by TKO early in the fifth round to become the new ICON Sport Middleweight Champion.

Villasenor then let go of the choke and started delivering unanswered punches that dazed Baroni, prompting the referee to stop the fight at the 1:11 mark of the opening round.

Following a standup call from the referee, the two fighters exchanged blows, Baroni throwing a right to the body, followed by a right-handed punch which to Jansen's chin.

In his second appearance in the promotion, he lost to Joe Riggs at Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields on June 6, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri at Scottrade Center.

[7] He signed a multi-fight deal and his return fight was at UFC 106 on November 21, 2009 against TUF 7 winner Amir Sadollah.

Baroni returned from shoulder surgery against local favorite Chris Holland on June 2, 2012 at Ring of Fire 43: Bad Blood.

It was announced on March 13, 2014 that Baroni had signed a deal with Bellator MMA, and was expected to make his debut against Jesus Martinez on May 2, 2014.

Baroni was cut from the promotion after defending the rapist and kidnapper War Machine, trying to justify domestic violence.

He faced Chris Leben at the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation debut card on November 9, 2018.

His girlfriend was pronounced dead after being found beaten, bruised, and bloody on a bed following an argument in which Baroni threw her inside a shower with force.

[2][31] Prior to the murder, Baroni was a close friend and training partner of War Machine, charged with a life sentence for multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, and domestic battery.

Baroni is now managed by pro MMA fighter and professional wrestler Matt "The Granimal" Granahan's the American Combat Association since his move to professional wrestling along with other UFC stars turned pro wrestlers, such as Kamal Shalorus and UFC Hall of Famers Stephan Bonnar and Dan Severn.

[33] Before becoming a professional fighter, Baroni worked various jobs including construction, delivering pizzas, bouncing, and as a car salesman.