Icon World Middleweight Champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler has been stripped of his Icon Belt for "failing to adequately defend" his title.

The news came via ProElite.com after Icon Sport President T. Jay Thompson addressed the status of the March 15 Icon Sport event at a press conference in the Blaisdell Arena.

Kala Kolohe Hose has waited almost a year to fight Lawler for the welterweight title and Lawler has not been able to oblige pulling out of three Icon events in 2007 due to injuries and illnesses. Thompson stated that it is not fair to Kala Hose to have to wait any longer for a title shot nor is it fair to the fans of Icon to have to wait.

Lawler didn’t attend the press conference but a statement by Lawler was read by Jay Thompson regarding the news of losing his title.

“I’m disappointed and upset. But I understand why this happening. In 2007 I did well when I was healthy. I took out Trigg and then I beat Ninja. I accept the decision, but I promise everyone that I will return. And I will get my belt back.”

Following the statement by Lawler Thompson said that Lawler could possibly fight on the undercard of the March 15 event if he is healthy and ready. He then proceeded to announce that Kala Kolohe Hose would fight Strikeforce’s (and now EliteXC’s fighter) "The New York Badass" Phil Baroni for the vacant Icon World Middleweight Championship. After the announcement was made, Phil Baroni made his usual crowd-pleasing entrance into the conference wearing a wife-beater tank top and a pair of jeans. He then sat down in between the Icon president and his opponent Kala Hose. President Jay Thompson then made this introduction.

"We’ve been talking to Phil about fighting in Icon for nearly five years. And I can’t tell you how happy we are to have him finally make his way here. Phil Baroni will be right at home in Icon. His explosive fighting style is exactly what our fans want, and it perfectly matches the style of Kala Kolohe Hose."

“At Icon we expect a great deal out of our athletes. They must be more than talented fighters in the ring. Phil Baroni has the loyalty, heart, responsibility, and character to represent Icon’s brand, and we are overjoyed to have him join our family."

Both fighters are excited about the bout and made statements to that effect. We can expect an announcement early next week regarding the remaining bouts for the "To Hell and Back" fight card as well as on sale ticket dates for the event. I will keep you posted so don’t go far and stay tuned for more hardcore mma news!