Is There A Future in MMA For James Toney

By MATT MOLGAARD

So, James Toney put his jewels on the table, entered the cage, and got worked over by Randy Couture in a few brief minutes, so what? The vast majority of those who pay combat sports any form of attention saw that outcome a mile off. To expect a boxer with less than a single years worth of MMA training to topple a mixed martial artist as seasoned as Randy Couture is just ludicrous. At the same time, to expect Randy Couture to enter a boxing ring and defeat James Toney at his own game is pure comedy. We’re talking two different sports that require different skill-sets and training regimens.

Rather than verbally blasting Toney (as many fighters, fans and critics have done in the last week), we should in fact be praising this man endlessly; he actually had the gall to back his talk up, and come test himself on foreign territory. Unfortunately for Toney, he was stylistically out of the fight long before August 28th, 2010.

In order for Toney to find some level of success in the world of MMA, he’s not only got to alter and intensify his workout schedule, he’s got to watch his diet, and, he’s got to be shown a little mercy from the matchmakers. Sure the man has nearly 100 professional boxing matches under his belt, and while that may give him an advantage over just about anyone he faces while the fight remains in the upright stance, as soon as that takedown comes, those near 100 matches of experience go flying out the window.

At this point Toney has expressed his desire to continue competing in MMA as well as boxing. He’s openly confessed that despite losing in embarrassing fashion, he enjoyed himself thoroughly last Saturday night. So, the question that lingers is quite obvious: who do you schedule Toney to face that won’t force this fight to the mat immediately and easily dominate him on the ground?

Toney VS. Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic:

If there’s one thing Mirko “Crocop” Filipovic isn’t going to do, it’s shoot the takedown immediately. Crocop is a well versed, seasoned striker himself and his pension for brutal knockouts all but ensures Crocop keeps this fight in Toney’s realm. The likely scenario is Filipovic chopping away at the legs of James Toney for a round or so before landing that highlight reel left high kick finish we all miss so much. But the beauty of this potential clash lies in the chances of Toney finding success, which are significantly stronger in this case than the Couture clash. It’s not likely, but it’s definitely conceivable that Toney backs Crocop against the cage and (yeah, I had to say it) puts the lights out.

Toney VS. Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello:

Paul “The Headhunter” Buentello has made some noise in this sport oveer the years. With victories under the King Of The Cage, Strikeforce, Affliction and UFC banners, he’s built himself a bit of name recognition and a solid résumé as well. One of the biggest problems Paul has faced over the course of his career is his inability to adjust his gameplan and take the fight to the mat when his hands are failing him. He’s succumbed to strikes on six separate occasions, and lacks fluidity in his movement, but he does carry respectable power. This is a fight that James Toney can definitely win, no question about it. If Buentello can’t successfully force Toney against the cage where he can wear him down, and eventually put him away, The Headhunter will become the Headhunted.

Toney VS. Brett “The Grim” Rogers:

Brett “The Grim” Rogers doesn’t fight with much grace, but what he lacks in refinement he makes up for in brutal violence and intimidating power. Rogers likely possesses the fight smarts to seek the takedown, but does he have a well rounded enough game to finish Toney once he’s gotten him down, and, can he keep him there over the potential span of 15 minutes? My guess is Toney’s gas tank get’s a mean makeover and Rogers walks away with a dominant unanimous decision win were this fight to happen. But, with Rogers tending to get a little sloppy with his striking at times, it could very well leave the brief opening James Toney requires to finish a fight. Also remember, every round begins on the feet.

Toney VS. Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson:

Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson has been flirting with the idea of trying his luck inside a boxing ring. Before that happens, it might be smart to pick a fight with Toney in the cage first. Kimbo may have power, but he won’t have much to offer James Toney while these exchanges last. A good idea for Kimbo would be to seek a submission and stun Toney ala Slice/Mercer. The likely bet is Kimbo deposits Toney onto the canvas in violent fashion and flurries until the questionable cardio issues become a factor. It’s unlikely Kimbo would put Toney away – even from the top position – but, it’s possible. I can’t help but envision a wicked come-from-behind knockout victory for Toney were this match to be made.

Toney VS. Eddie Sanchez:

After being stopped in the first round by Neil Grove at Bellator Fighting Championships 24, Sanchez could use a good win as bad as Toney. And while he may not be on the cusp of the sports top 10 rankings, he’s a good fighter who can fight fairly well on the feet or the ground. A win for either of these two would make for a significant career boost and couls potentially secure a return to the UFC. Who walks away the winner is anyone’s guess, though I’d lean toward Sanchez if forced to pick. A size, wrestling and overall experience edge lead me to believe Sanchez takes this fight into the safest territory possible, as fast as possible; the unpredictability we’ve seen from Sanchez leads me to believe Toney has a legit chance at a nasty flash knockout.

Whom and when James Toney fights again remains to be seen, but it appears as though at least one more MMA fight is on the mind of the boxing legend. Of the proposed match-ups here, I’d love to see Toney lock horns with Sanchez under the Bellator banner in what would produce a great boost in exposure for the promotion as well as a quality victory for whomever should exit the cage a victor.

If things were definite, and you had to pick just one, which MMA fighter would you like to see James Toney matched up against in a second UFC contest? Share your thoughts on this subject today in the ongoing discussion in both the MMANEWS.COM Forums and the MMANEWS.COM Facebook Page.Similar Posts: