Boxing legend James Toney had an incredible career that saw him fight the very best. Retiring with a record of 77-10-3, ‘Lights Out’ was a three-division champion.
Toney has taken on the likes of Roy Jones Jr., Evander Holyfield, and Hasim Rahman over the course of his lengthy career.
Boasting some impressive wins inside of the ring, Toney is considered a true hero of the sport. However, he was only capable of conquering the world of boxing.
In an unlikely move, Toney tried his hands at mixed martial arts. However, the bout did not go according to plan.
James Toney fought in the UFC in 2010 in MMA debut
In August 2010, Toney agreed to fight in the UFC, despite never having an MMA fight before. Toney was still an active boxer at the time, however, he was seven years removed from his last world title win.
Toney was aged 42 at the time, although, he would be facing a fighter five years older than him.
Welcoming Toney to the UFC was Randy Couture, a former two-division world champion who had an 18-10 record. At the time of facing Toney, he was on a two-fight winning streak.
Given the fact Toney had never fought in the sport before, he was considered a huge underdog going into the bout. As the fight was a short one, it appeared as if bookmakers got the odds right.
In the opening seconds of the bout, Couture would take Toney down, immediately getting into a dominant position. It was quite evident that Toney had little grappling experience, as he was unable to get off the canvas.
After spending some time in a controlling position on the ground, Couture was able to secure the submission in the first round. Toney tapped out, spelling an end to his MMA career.
No other high-profile boxers would compete in the UFC octagon. However, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fought Anderson Silva, while Evander Holyfield fought Vitor Belfort, both in the boxing ring.
James Toney was never stopped inside of the boxing ring
Despite succumbing to an early stoppage in his UFC outing, Toney has never been stopped as a boxer.
All 10 of his losses have come via decision, as no many was able to stop the former champion. This even includes Samuel Peter, who Toney called the hardest puncher he’s faced. Peter defeated Toney via split decision in 2006.
Toney would suffer four losses after his UFC appearance, and winning five. However, Toney was unable to reclaim a world title.