Ann Arbor native James Toney moves from boxing ring to MMA octagon tonight
James Toney says mixed martial artists are "not used to anything like me." He'll find out tonight when he faces Randy Couture in UFC 118. (Associated Press photo)
The Los Angeles Times says "if you're an over-40 sports fan who won't acknowledge mixed martial arts and who believes that combat sports begin and end with boxing, this bout's for you."
It's the first foray into the sport for Toney, who celebrated his 42nd birthday on Tuesday. He compiled a 72-6-3 professional boxing record and won three world titles over the past 20 years.
"UFC vs. Boxing" is how the Ultimate Fighting Championship is marketing the matchup between Toney and five-time UFC champion Couture, 47.
As Greg Beacham wrote for the Associated Press, "most MMA observers don't see how (Toney) can win. Seeing smaller opponents with a fraction of his punching power in the cozy confines of the octagon, Toney doesn't see how he can lose."
"They're not used to anything like me," Toney said, sweat dripping off his entire body after a lively ground-and-pound workout.
UFC 118 can be ordered on pay-perview. It will also be broadcast live to select movie theaters, including Rave Motion Pictures on Carpenter Road in Ann Arbor.