Looks like it's going to be "Lights Out" on August 28 in "Beantown."
Past-his-prime pugilist James Toney will finally get the chance to prove that boxing (with takedown defense) trumps mixed martial arts on any given Saturday when he takes on former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Randy Couture at UFC 118 in Boston.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the bout agreement was signed by Toney in a UFC 115 video interview with Ariel Helwani -- despite a recent report that his signature had yet to be obtained.
Toney has enlisted the help of Juanito Ibarra, perhaps best known as the former trainer of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to help him transition to MMA. Despite his rookie status, the NABO heavyweight boxing champion was able to submit Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion "King Mo" in practice.
But don't expect Couture to be as generous in August.
No one will ever mistake "The Natural" as a world class striker, but he's as good (or better) than anyone in the game today at identifying an opponent's weakness and exploiting it. Also consider his wrestling background and experience inside the cage and it's hard not to give Toney anything more than a puncher's chance.
It's just a question of how long Couture allows Toney to stay upright.
UFC 118 is expected to feature a lightweight bout between current 155-pound contenders Kenny "KenFlo" Florian and Gray "The Bully" Maynard as they try to stake their claim to the winner of a possible championship rematch between Frankie "The Answer" Edgar and BJ "The Prodigy" Penn, also booked for the Aug. 28 card.
For more on UFC 118 click here.
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