UFC 118 – Couture vs. Toney confirmed
On a UFC supercard, very rarely is the main event overshadowed, but that will be the case at UFC 118 after it was officially confirmed that Randy Couture would fight former boxing world champion James Toney. To Frankie Edgar’s lightweight title rematch with BJ Penn, the heavyweight bout will act as the co-main event.
In a bout that pits an MMA legend in direct competition with an excellent boxing veteran, Couture v Toney is the major draw though. At multiple weights, Toney has won world titles and he is coming to prove that again.
UFC president Dana White stated, “Toney is a real fighter, a future Hall of Famer, and the most accomplished boxer ever to fight in the UFC, and I think everyone’s curious to see what he can do against Couture’s wrestling and ground and pound attack, Toney promised me that he’s coming to win, and knowing him like I do, I would never count him out”.
To erase the errors of UFC 112, the main event hands BJ Penn the chance. In a shock defeat to new champion Frankie Edgar, he was outworked over five rounds.
“Frankie fought a great fight the first time and I’m expecting him to come back at me just as hard in this rematch, but I’m more determined than ever, and I hope he’s ready for me because I just have one goal in mind – getting my belt back,” said Penn.
After Maynard and Kenny Florian trade off for the right to contest the title, the winner of Edgar v Penn will already know who will be his next opponent. While Florian is targeting a third crack at the belt after eight victories in nine fights, Maynard is the only man who is yet to lose and he is the one who beat the reigning champion.
The hugely intriguing prospect of Rousimar Palhares is also on the card. After being accused of holding submissions way past the tap, he comes covered in controversy.
