Comments on: The UFC signs James Toney…really?

By: Josh Stein

Josh Stein — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:44:58 +0000

The problem with this is that the UFC doesn’t sign Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu aces or NCAA wrestlers until they’ve had at least a couple of fights.

They used to (Randy Couture, B.J. Penn), but it hasn’t been a serious practice since Zuffa took over the company.

By: Brandt DeLorenzo

Brandt DeLorenzo — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:40:18 +0000

Can you name a grappler/wrestler in the UFC that has absolutely 0 striking experience?

Not an insult, just a question!

By: Steve D.

Steve D. — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:34:58 +0000

You have a very good point - there is no difference in the UFC signing a Champion Boxer, than a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ace or an NCAA wrestling Champion. We have a couple boxers at Premier Martial Arts Austin, TX that are a lot scarier than any jiu jitsu player I've seen lately.

By: Brandt DeLorenzo

Brandt DeLorenzo — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:11:56 +0000

Because I don’t agree that Toney belongs in the UFC? Why does a washed up boxer with brain damage belong in MMA? And why did Dana White even sign him after saying Walker would die in the octagon?

By: edub

edub — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:31:37 +0000

Brandt read Hypocrite in the dictionary man.

By: Matt C.

Matt C. — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:47:14 +0000

Yea his failed drug tests is part of the reason I wish they never would have signed him.

Overall I think the negatives of signing Toney far outweigh the positives.

I have a hard time accepting any comparison of signing Toney to the signing of Herschel Walker on any level though. Herschel was a professional football player that retired years ago. Toney has been a professional fighter for a very long time and is still actively looking for fights. I just don’t see a legitimate comparison given their respective past.

By: The Argument for James Toney | MMA Opinion

The Argument for James Toney | MMA Opinion — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:35:03 +0000

[...] Boxing) and the contention over whether or not he’s a legit force in MMA is going to start. The opposition to Toney has already spoken. I have to say, I was skeptical of the UFC signing him at first, but I’m [...]

By: Kasey

Kasey — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:01:32 +0000

I agree, Toney only has a punchers chance in MMA and that is only until he is taken down. The wrestlers in the heavyweight division look especially powerful. However, the longer a top boxer like Toney works on his sprawl and ground defense the more time he has on his feet. I wonder about a 41 year old guy for a lot of reasons in that respect. He’s training with the right people at least.

In terms of the MMA Vs. Boxing debate in general this will answer some questions, especially for those fans of both sports.

By: Brandt DeLorenzo

Brandt DeLorenzo — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:13:12 +0000

Hey Matt, I see your point.

This is from a FightOpinion commentor regarding Toney’s mental and physical capacity to fight:

“James Toney was on ESPN Outside the Lines on January 21, 2007, where he essentially admitted that he was using hormone therapy (the reason he tested positive for roids against Ruiz) because repeated traumatic brain injury had led to Hormone Deficiency Syndrome.”

By: Matt C.

Matt C. — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:37:21 +0000

I wish the UFC hadn’t signed Toney.

However Toney is an accomplished fighter. So I don’t see this signing any different than I would the UFC signing some BJJ black belt with next to no stand-up.