Former UFC fighter arrested for killing girlfriend in US motel

Phil Baroni weighing in for the UFC (Photo: Disclosure/UFC)

Former Ultimate fighter, North American Phil Baroni, 46, was arrested last Sunday (01) on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend, Paola. According to information from the Mexican newspaper 'Tribuna de la Bahia', the middleweight athlete (up to 83,9 kg) would have called a State Tourist Police vehicle that was patrolling the area and when they arrived at the scene, the agents would have found her without life. The case took place in the city of San Pancho, Mexico (MEX).

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According to the publication, Phil asked for help from a State Tourist Police vehicle that was patrolling nearby. When responding to the call from the former Ultimate fighter, the agents found Paola lying on a bed, unconscious, naked and covered by a sheet. She had no vital signs and had marks of blows and bruises on her face and parts of her body. Police arrested Baroni on suspicion of murder. An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of death.

The fighter's version says that around 15pm on Sunday (01), he was smoking marijuana and drinking beer in his room and started arguing with his girlfriend, who allegedly revealed to him that she had had sexual relations with another man. Jealous, the fighter said he ordered her to take a shower and, when she refused, he grabbed her by the arms and threw her into the shower. The woman reportedly hit her head, slipped on her back and hit the back of her head.

Phil also said that he helped Paola get up, put her on the bed, took off her clothes and covered her with a sheet. His girlfriend then ordered beer and cigarettes, Baroni went out into the street and, when he returned, smoked a cigarette and slept with her. At that moment, the fighter felt that the woman was unresponsive and no longer had vital signs. He would have tried to revive her, without success. Police officers alleged that the veteran was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

At 46 years old, Phil has a career marked by stints in major organizations such as UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator and Pride. The former middleweight hasn't fought since 2019 and has a record of 16 wins and 19 setbacks.