Keeping Pace: A Look at James Toney vs Randy Couture

Tomorrow night Randy Couture and James Toney will face-off in an MMA vs Boxing match that will be a co-feature on UFC 118.

Toney has held title belts at 160, 168, 190 and nearly grabbed one at heavyweight* during a professional boxing career spanning about 20 years. He is almost certainly headed to the Hall of Fame when he hangs 'em up for good. While Toney has never been short on guts or fighting skills, he'll go down as an underachiever because he has had to battle the scale for so many years.

Now in his 40's he looks more like someone's loud uncle than an active prize fighter. In all honesty, he shouldn't be fighting anymore. With the gut he is currently sporting and the miles he's accumulated, boxing at a high level is out of the question, so here he is trying to make a quick buck in MMA.

Randy Couture has been champion at 205 and heavyweight during a legendary martial arts career that began in the 90's. He's earned a reputation as a hard worker who is always trying to improve, even though he's old enough to be a dad to most of his fans. You could make the case that he is a more skilled fighter now than when he was in his physical prime. Not only is he considered a true master of self-defense, but he's also a movie star!

Now "The Natural" is set to take on a washed up boxer who has no MMA experience and he's getting 6 figures for it.

One only needs to look at the two men to figure out the difference between them - discipline.

So does the boxer have a chance to turn the fighter's "lights out"?

Well, as far as I can tell, the only good news for Toney is the fact that the fight starts on the feet. I think he'll have to take advantage of this by coming out aggressive or it will get ugly in a hurry. Some would argue that being in a cage for the first time will have a negative effect on the rookie, and that could be the case, but James has always been one of the most relaxed fighters in the game. Maybe too relaxed. Personally, I think the extra nerves could be good for him. Perhaps if he's on edge, he'll use that energy to set up a swift attack, rather than waiting for opportunities to counterpunch. His usual demeanor will only get him hurt, in my opinion.

Prediction: It will be quick, no matter who comes out on top. I seriously doubt we'll see round 2. Historically, almost all of these "Boxing vs MMA" events have ended within a minute or so. I'll say James blows his only chance by standing around and posing. Couture will clinch up and slam him on his back, mount and pound away until the ref steps in to save the old boxer who looks like he is drowning. Easy work.

* Toney won a decision over John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title, but was then stripped when he tested positive for steroids.

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Here's a couple of very accomplished older boxers getting drubbed in MMA bouts...