UFC 118 Couture vs Toney Review

Saturday’s fight with Randy Couture and James Toney was dubbed “boxing versus mixed martial arts.” Many boxing fans tuned in to watch the fight expecting a standing battle, with two fighters throwing shots until someone got knocked out. The majority of mixed martial arts fans understand all the elements that are involved in a mixed martial arts fight. Stand-up fighting, such as Boxing, Kick Boxing, and Muay Thai, are only elements of a true and realistic fight. Other than small, confined spaces, a confrontation will almost always end up on the ground. That being said, James Toney significantly lacked the knowledge and skill set required to step into the UFC. Toney was taken to the mat with a basic single leg, and submitted with a head triangle. He should have known the basic defense or counters for both of these, and least prevented a takedown to allow him to use his boxing skills.


I’ve heard criticism towards both fighters, and I will give you my opinion on both:

James Toney

Criticism- ran his mouth about how he was going to kick Randy Couture’s ass.

James Toney talked a lot of smack about Couture prior to the fight. Common sense, he helped promote this fight by bringing in the emotional element of sh!t talking. I wouldn’t have expected less. Give me 750k, and I will talk sh!t about anyone.

Criticism- Lacked simple take down defense for a basic single leg take down. Once he was taken to the mat, he was unable to defend himself.

Okay, in Toney’s defense, Randy Couture is a 3-time Olympic Wrestling alternate. Randy has years of ground experience compared to 8 months of basic, half-ass training that Toney had for this fight.

Randy Couture

Criticism- didn’t stand toe to toe and try to keep the fight standing.

Give me a break, Couture turned the fight into what he wanted, ground control, and used his skills to get the win. That is what he does best.

Criticism- used a basic takedown and submission; he should have used more advanced techniques.

How ridiculous! They worked, and he won, period.

I give James Toney credit for stepping into MMA, but if he plans to fight MMA in the future, he must increase his skill set.