Over the years, several MMA fighters have had run-ins with the law. Now and then, someone would get arrested for DUI or assaulting hecklers. However, some of these crimes are heinous, and one recently became a topic of discussion on Joe Rogan’s podcast. UFC legend Matt Serra, who was also present in the discussion, talked about the crimes of Phil Baroni and War Machine.
During a panel discussion on Joe Rogan’s podcast, several UFC legends discussed various combat sports topics. Not only that, they also revisited iconic moments in fighting history. The conversation also touched on War Machine, who was convicted of several serious charges. Moreover, Serra brought up another convicted former MMA fighter, Phil Baroni, and shared his opinions on both individuals.
(Phil) Baroni is in jail for you know allegedly you know murder in Mexico… It’s brutal man so I you know these guys come in you know again but back to War Machine, I don’t know, it makes me more like Phil (Baroni) I always knew was a piece of sh*t but War Machine I thought could have been helped…
Matt Serra via JRE MMA Show #163
Matt Serra criticized War Machine’s crime, but according to Serra, Phil Baroni’s crime was even more brutal. Baroni, a former UFC fighter, was arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend. Several reports indicated that the police found Baroni’s girlfriend’s body unresponsive on his bed, with bruises all over her face.
According to Baroni, he and his girlfriend got into an argument that escalated into a physical altercation. However, the ex-UFC fighter mentioned that he did not murder her. Baroni stated that his girlfriend hit her head when he tried to get her to take a shower. After that, he went out to buy cigarettes and beer at her request, and when he returned, he found her dead.
Joe Rogan and Matt Serra criticized the actions of the two fighters. They suggested that War Machine’s violent behavior may have been influenced by the brain trauma many fighters experience, known as CTE. However, as for Baroni, both Serra and Rogan claimed that they knew he was not a gentleman.
When Bellator terminated Phil Baroni’s contract for supporting War Machine
Phil Baroni and War Machine shared a great camaraderie among them. As such, Baroni was the training partner of War Machine. However, in 2014, their lives took a huge turn as War Machine was charged with a life sentence for multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, and domestic battery.
Phil Baroni and War Machine before jail (Image via Instagram)During this difficult time, Baroni stood up for his friend. However, he suffered consequences for that. Bellator MMA seemingly didn’t like their fighter defending a case of domestic violence in public.
The promotion released Baroni just after his promotional debut solely for supporting his friend arrested for domestic violence. His last professional fight was his Bellator debut fight against Karo Parisyan.
In the midst of it all, Phil Baroni has always supported his friend on various occasions. However, both former MMA fighters are currently in jail. War Machine will be 71 years old by the time he gets a chance for parole. Meanwhile, Baroni might face 30-50 years of jail time if found guilty.
