As Expected, Couture Submits MMA Neophyte Toney

August 29th, 2010

UFC Hall of famer Randy Couture won perhaps his easiest fight in years by submitting the MMA pro debuting, former three division world boxing champ, James Toney (0-1) within one lopsided round Saturday night at UFC 118 in Boston. Time of the tap was 3:19 of the first round.

“I had to pull out the old low single from college”, Couture said following the bout.

“I didn’t think James would have an answer or a counter from that.” Couture later added.

He was right.

Couture was able to take Toney down seemingly without trying too hard. From there, it was ground and pound from Couture and hold on close and tight for Toney. Eventually Couture stopped the ground and pound and began to go for submission attempts. Finally, it was an arm triangle that caused Toney to tap at 3:10 of the first round.

The bout was billed by promoters as “UFC vs. Boxing”. Throughout the fight, the pro MMA crowd began chants of “UFC, UFC”. However, the winner Couture never bought much into the promotional hype for the fight.

“I'm a huge fan of boxing. A lot of credit to James for stepping up in here. He's the first boxer to do that. I think all of us MMA guys love boxing, and hopefully, now, there's a whole bunch of boxers like James that will start to love MMA." Couture said afterwards.

For Toney, he has been released from his multifight contract with the UFC following the fight. He’s expected to return to boxing.

“He’s a boxer and that’s what he does.” White said. He also said, “Toney lasted longer than I thought he would”.

“It’s been a fun ride with James. He’s been very interesting. He’s a nutty guy.” White said laughing.

For Couture, he’s expected to drop down to the light heavyweight division and vie to contend for the UFC title.

“I’ll take em as they come.” Couture said.