UFC 118: James Toney tries to prove that he is no joke against Randy Couture

Who would have thought that a fight between two 40-somethings would steal the thunder from the main event at UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2?

Both James "Lights Out" Toney and Randy "The Natural" Couture are accomplished fighters in their own right and in their own side of the fight spectrum. But this fight is more than just what meets the eye if both warriors can deliver on fight night.

Credit James Toney for creating the hype since the 42- year old boxer and many- time champion from Grand Rapids really knows how to catch your attention every time he opens his mouth. Or blame him for making his mixed martial arts debut against UFC Hall-of-Famer Randy Couture a comical one or worse, a freak show.

The match up has the making of a circus or it could turn out to be a classic. The plot line is intriguing and compelling: boxing versus MMA or two old grizzled warriors trying for a last shot at glory. The hardcore boxing and MMA fans in Michigan, though, are not sold out on the fight and are not really treating this match- up seriously. It's obvious that both fighters are way past their prime and are no longer relevant except for entertainment value or some form of nostalgia.

But tell that to the two fighters who are so into it that the verbal sparring was there from the get- go. They proclaim that they are raring to mix it up inside the ring just to prove that they still have it and show the fight world who is the better fighter. The heavy underdog Toney is talking about him showing that boxing is better than MMA while his 47- year old nemesis is saying that his opponent will find the Octagon very different from the ring and vows to teach Toney a neat lesson in mixed martial arts.

Talk is cheap and fighters are known to say crazy things just to help the fight gather some buzz, or in most cases, also to psych themselves up. If only both fighters could back up their pronouncements with real bad intentions and energy inside the ring, then this fight could end up to be an exciting and entertaining one. Otherwise, this could be a just another case of the motor mouths running wild as well as the poster fight of what many will term as "the mind is willing but the flesh is weak" case.

The only chance that James Toney will win the fight is in the early part of the first round. If he can't knock the lights out of Randy Couture in the first two minutes of the round, Toney can kiss his hopes of winning the fight goodbye. The more the fight drags, the more it favors Couture for obvious reasons.

If Randy Couture comes out and does what he is supposed to do, then there is no question that he will emerge victorious. The difference in their grappling technique and ground game which is essential in any MMA fight is light years. Also, Couture must control his machismo and avoid trading shots with Toney, who has the edge in the striking department.

If Randy Couture can stick to his game plan, then it will be an easy night for him but only if he can prevent James Toney from sneaking and landing those heavy sledgehammers.

This writer will probably end up losing his lunch money on James Toney in a friendly betting game with his friends since nobody wants to fight against the odds. But as proven in the past, a slim chance is better than no chance at all. Still, this writer picks Randy Couture to win by submission.

"James Toney will be like a fish out of the water in the Octagon. Even veteran MMA fighters like the Japanese found the Octagon a hurdle when they came here to fight since they fight in a ring there." - Austin D, Detroit

"James Toney will put the lights out of Randy Couture, if James can connect with his powerful punches." - Milan V, Allen Park

"It is Randy Couture's fight to lose. He has all the experience and the tools to put James Toney out of his comfort zone and when that happens, it will be the end for the boxer." - Erik K, Wyandotte

Where to watch UFC 118 in the Downriver Area:

+ Hooters in Taylor- Tel. no. 734- 374- 9030

+ Buffalo Wild Wings in Southgate- Tel. no. 734- 281- 2999

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