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Bad Blood: Exclusive Interview with Phil Baroni

“The New York Bad Ass” sounds off about Frank Shamrock and the fight between the two that is now in jeopardy

Phil Baroni isn’t one for mincing words. In the past, he has used them brazenly to call out opponents and get under their skin and berate anything or anyone that got in his way. Now, he’s simply using them to get a lot of frustration off his chest.

The beginning of 2007 finds “The New York Badass” entangled in one of the most bizarre episodes in the history of mixed martial arts. On December 8th, former UFC middleweight champion, Frank Shamrock, officially announced to 8,700 fans on hand for Strikeforce’s “Triple Threat” fight card in San Jose, California, that both he and Baroni had officially signed agreements to face one another during a Strikeforce card set for sometime in April.

Bad Blood: Exclusive Interview With Brian Olsen

Brian Olsen (6-1) was scheduled to face Bryan Vetell (0-1) tomorrow night at Combat In The Cage "Evolutions" in Asbury Park, NJ. Though he planned on returning to the ring after a seven month recovery period caused by the illegal attack from Mike Kyle, as of 2:00PM Wednesday afternoon, the fight was called off.

Apparently, Olsen's doctor saw an interview that he had done earlier this week in which the damage to his face had been detailed. Upon reading the interview, Olsen's Doctor immediately contacted him and took the necessary steps to make sure Olsen was not cleared by the N.J. Athletic Commission. Olsen spoke with me about this disappointing setback.

(*Originally, this interview was to included a discussion of his injuries, but due to the decision that has since been made by the N.J. Athletic Commission, I have respected Olsen's request and will not print the information he gave me about the damage he suffered at the hands of Kyle.)

Shots Fired

Exclusive Interview with Josh "The Punk" Thomson

Josh “The Punk” Thomson takes aim at his upcoming Strikeforce showdown with rising star, Nam Phan, and unloads several rounds on Frank Shamrock

The year 2006 has been a busy one for Josh Thomson. The 28-year-old Bay Area, California native, who had been repeatedly passed over for a title shot by a handful of organizations, was finally within what seemed to be an arm’s reach of a major championship when he was met by a relatively unknown, yet undeniably talented and unrelenting, Clay Guida.

Three months after the Strikeforce lightweight crown was snatched away from him, Thomson rebounded strongly, making quick work of road warrior Harris Sarmiento and, then, dominating Duane “Bang” Ludwig during the first-ever arena fight card in Fresno, California.