5ouncesofpain with the scoop...courtesy of Ken Pavia(Baroni's Agent)

Pavia did say, however, “Whoever Phil’s next fight is, it will take place at 170 pounds.” He said that in surveying the MMA landscape, there aren’t many fighters in the welterweight division with the one-punch knockout power that Baroni possesses, presenting an opportunity for Baroni to move into the weight class for the first time in his career.

“He’s going to fight at 170,” said Pavia. “He’s at 182 (pounds) right now.”

I appreciate and respect all the fighter's...especially someone like Baroni that can hype a fight like none other.  However, I don't think a move to the 170 division will do him much good.  First of all...he will have to cut ALOT of muscle mass.  Secondly, his game has not evolved in that he always gasses and his ground game is pretty much non existant.  I would say concentrating on improving those two areas would be more beneficial than dropping a weight class while using the same skill set.  However, with his overall MMA record at 10-10 and losing 3 straight....at this point a fighter will do anything to remain relevant.  Good luck NYBA.