This will be more standup banging as both guys are heavy handed strikers. Both are also technically adept strikers, so again a good action packed fight for the opening CBS show. More EliteXC chicks bumping and grinding on the entrance ramp. Wonder how many times they had to re-take Baroni’s intro’ trash talking’ to get all of the ‘F-bombs’ out. Villasenor now fights out of Albuquerque, New Mexico which has no shortage of first rate fighters to its credit–the most famous of which is the brilliant in the ring/troubled out of the ring boxer ‘Mi Vida Loca’ Johnny Tapia. Tapia has more personal demons than a Danzig CD cover, but he was the personification of heart inside the ring. Very similar to a fighter like Arturo Gatti in that you knew that anytime he was involved that he’d leave it all in the ring and you’d get your money’s worth as he’d definitely come to fight. Haven’t heard much Ranalo now putting over (rightfully) Greg Jackson’s camp in the Duke City where Villasenor trains with a ton of great fighters–GSP, the most notable of these. Most of us at the SavSci have something of a soft spot for Baroni–he’s obnoxious and puts on a show but he keeps himself in great shape and comes to fight. Baroni has a ton of experience both in the US and Japan–Baroni wearing his robe that he got from a Rick Rude garage sale and his sunglasses. Shamrock now giving props to Baroni, which is impressive they’ve had quite a history. Baroni has a bunch of what appears to be strippers from ‘Scores’ ripping his clothes off. Another legit legend is in Baroni’s corner–none other than Mark “The Hammer” Coleman who along with Don Frye is just one of the baddest dudes to ever compete in the sport. Crowd should theoretically be behind Baroni, but it didn’t sound like it from the ring walk. Then again, the music was so loud it was hard to say. If you missed Baroni’s fight against Frank Shamrock last year by all means track it down as it was just a great fight with some serious intensity and a hot crowd. Baroni now getting a nice round of applause, though the crowd didn’t see Villasenor as a ‘bad guy’. Jimmy Lennon finishes the intros and we’re ready to fight:

ROUND 1:

Baroni comes out swinging, Villasenor goes for a high kick which surprisingly Baroni grabs and takes it to the ground. Villasenor nails with a couple of up kicks. Fighters exchanging blows now, Villasenor now backing Baroni up. Villasenor with a guillotine choke, he didn’t get the choke but he smacked Baroni with a knee to the noggin. Baroni slips out but Villasenor lets his hands go now and a nice combination culminating with a short left hook puts the ‘New York Bad Ass’ down and the ref jumps in quickly to stop it. Not surprising that we’re seeing quick stoppages tonight–the last thing that anyone concerned wants is a late stoppage. This wasn’t a premature stoppage, but just a solid job by the ref to end it at just the right point. Baroni not protesting which is a good indication that he’s been soundly beaten. Nasty welt under Baroni’s eye–really glad to see Villasenor win as he comes off like a real good guy and is a solid fighter. Baroni may have to rethink his future as an active fighter–he’s only 32 but he’s what fight types call an ‘old’ 32 as he’s been in some wars. This is his third straight loss, albeit all to top notch oppositon–Frank Shamrock, ICON Sport middleweight champ and one of the more underrated and below the radar fighters in the world in Kala Hose, and now Villasenor whom I consider one of the best strikers at the weight. The classy Villasenor very gracious to Baroni in his postfight comments. For the promotion the ‘right’ guys have won both of the first two fights–Bret Rogers is a perfect future opponent for Kimbo, and Villasenor is an up and coming fighter with a perfect appeal for the Latin American community.