Michael Bisping reacts to UFC veteran Phil Baroni's arrest
Earlier this week, UFC veteran Phil Baroni was arrested by Mexican law enforcement for allegedly murdering his girlfriend in a hotel in San Pancho, Mexico.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping expressed disbelief, saying that he was hoping the news was just some sick joke:
"I’m really hoping this is a sick joke. Phil Baroni arrested for murdering his girlfriend???"
I’m really hoping this is a sick joke. Phil Baroni arrested for murdering his girlfriend??? twitter.com/toddatkinsmma/…
However, the news is far from a "joke". According to a report by the Mexican publication Tribuna de la Bahia, it was the UFC veteran himself who notified the State Tourist Police that his girlfriend was unconscious and asked for help.
Phil Baroni beat his girlfriend, a Mexico City native, to death in San Pancho, Nayarit, México. He alleges he threw her inside the shower with force after she told him she had cheated where she hit her head and passed away minutes later. 1/2 tribunadelabahia.com.mx/extranjero-ase…
Once the police arrived at the hotel where the couple was staying, they found the victim's naked body wrapped in sheets laying on the bed. The victim had multiple bruises and beating marks on her face and body and had no vital signs.
Place your bets for the upcoming UFC fight night main card and earn $$$
The couple had reportedly gotten into a physical altercation earlier after Baroni found out that his girlfriend was cheating on him. The former MMA fighter reportedly admitted to tossing his girlfriend into the shower where she hit her head.
After the incident, the 46-year-old helped the woman onto the bed. He later left the hotel to get beer and cigarettes as per her request. However, upon returning to the hotel, Baroni realized that she had no vital signs.
The UFC vet has been charged with homicide. He was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the unfortunate incident.
Phil Baroni's UFC career
Phil Baroni burst into the UFC when it was far from the global sporting spectacle it is now. The Long Island native made his promotional debut at UFC 34 - High Voltage in 2001 against Matt Lindland, which he lost via majority decision.
Across two stints in the premier MMA promotion, the 'New York Bad A**' stepped into the famed octagon a total of 10 times, securing a rather lackluster record of 3-7. His overall mixed martial arts record stands at 16-19.
Watch the highlights of Baroni below:
The 46-year-old last stepped foot in the cage in his 2019 Rebel FC 9 fight against Sai Wang, which he lost via first-round submission due to a rear-naked choke.
Apart from the UFC, Phil Baroni has fought under various other famed MMA organizations like Bellator, Pride One FC, and Titan FC among others.