James "Lights Out" Toney is really a past IBF middleweight champion, super middleweight champion, and cruiserweight champion, and may be the present IBA heavyweight champion.

Watch UFC 118

James Nathaniel Toney was born on August 24, 1968 in Grand Rapids Michigan. In higher school, he not just experienced the reputation of becoming a "gun packing drug dealer", but also of a talented athlete. He excelled at both football and amateur boxing and became a single of his high school's top football players He was offered university football scholarships to Michigan State and Western Michigan schools. He blew that chance at a University of Michigan training camp when he come to be involved in an altercation with Deion Sanders. It was then that Toney realized that he was not a team player and made a decision to focus his attention on boxing.

Toney had compiled an amateur record of 31 wins 2 losses and 29 KO's when he made a decision that he wanted to make a residing in the ring. He was 7 and when his manager Johnny "Ace" Smith, a drug dealer, was shot and killed. Around the next two many years, James Toney had compiled a record of 26 wins no losses and one draw. He entered this match, in Nunn's hometown of Davenport Iowa, as a huge underdog. Toney surprised everybody within the arena when he knocked Nunn out in the 11th round and won the title.

From your time he fought Nunn, till his battle with Roy Jones in November 1994, Toney had fought an incredible 20 times. In that fight, Toney experienced to overcome a nasty cut (that would later need 33 stitches), to pull out a selection win above Johnson. Toney would go on to defend his middleweight title 5 a lot more times in opposition to the likes of Francesco Dell Aquilla, WBA champion Mike McCallum, Dave Tiberi, Glenn Wolfe, and again McCallum.

He was prescribed medication shortly right after the surgery, and his arms was in the cast until the next January.

His promoter, Dan Goossen stated, "James received medical treatment for recovery from his bicepts and triceps surgery previous calendar year. His doctor has mentioned that the combination of medications utilized to control the inflammation and tissue growth caused the positive test result. This is even more supported since the entire body, in combination while using medications, naturally creates the form of substance reflected within the test results.

James mentioned, "Being accused of taking performance enhancing substances is an insult to me. I don't do drugs, period. I've never employed any illegal substances to prepare myself for a battle. I don't require to cheat. My strength is my abilities. Individuals don't remember that I weighed 205 pounds in large school 20 years ago.

"I have constantly been prepared to combat anybody out there, any time, anywhere. My talent speaks for itself."

James is undefeated in his very last 15 fights: 14-, one ND - dating back to June 1997. His two wins in 2003 against former four-time heavyweight earth champion, Evander Holyfield and IBF cruiserweight world champion, Vassiliy Jirov, were among probably the most considerable of his career and earned Toney the "2003 Fighter from the Year" award by The Ring Magazine.

Toney was also the Ring's "Fighter of the Year" in 1991. He mentioned, "I'm a very much far better fighter now than I had been then, since amount a single, I'm a lot more critical about my game. I would train, but it was half-assed. Now, I take superior care of my body than I did before.

Toney even more added, "After I turned pro, I was residing in Ann Arbor and Greg Owens, who started out me out, we would go down to all the finest gyms inside city to see where's the greatest opposition. In the event you got good opposition, good, I want to see, show me one thing. I spent plenty of time in the Kronk Health club, that is exactly where you study your trade, that is how you discover to turn out to be a fighter, going towards the trenches. If you possibly can combat therem, you are able to battle anyplace within the entire world. De La Hoya came in there, he didn't final but a couple of days. Even Evander Holyfield didn't previous as well extended. I thought he would very last longer than he did, but he didn't. Kronk is not only inside the basement, it is inside a nasty neighborhood. It is hot as hell, and that is how I like it. I had been down there kicking ass."

James Toney has beaten past entire world champions, Evander Holyfield (TKO 9), Vassiliy Jirov (W 12), Adolpho Washington (TKO 10), Charles Williams (KO 12), Iran Barkley (TKO 9), Doug DeWitt (TKO 6), Reggie Johnson (W 12), and Michael Nunn (TKO 11).

In a very massive upset, Frankie Edgar beat longtime UFC light-weight champion B.J. Penn, winning the title having a unanimous 50-45, 48-47, 49-46 decision at UFC 112 from the company's debut display from the United Arab Emirates.

Nevertheless he began in the sport like a wrestler, it was Edgar's superb stand-up that made the distinction at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi.

Inside the initial circular, Edgar's motion was impressive, but Penn still broke by way of and landed a handful of punches. Edgar attempted for the takedown, but was punished for it, as Penn landed a couple of clean shots on Edgar when he shot in. In the exact same time, Edgar was capable to punch Penn as well as give him a mouse below the eye.

Within the second, Edgar ongoing to display outstanding motion as he stuck and moved around the cage. Penn was in a position to land strikes, but seemed frustrated by Edgar's defense. From the last minute on the circular, Edgar did what handful of other people could do -- he took Penn lower. Penn instantly rebounded to his feet, however it was a surprise to determine
.
The third circular featured far more powerful stand-up through the New Jersey native. Edgar won striking exchanges. He again tried for any single-leg takedown but wasn't qualified to full it. The up coming time he went for a shot, Penn moved out of place so Edgar followed by means of using a headkick.

Since the championship rounds commenced, Edgar nevertheless looked fresh as he continued to push forward and proceed close to the cage while Penn showed indications of tiring. Penn was in a position to land his trademark jabs, but Edgar was also capable to get the greatest of numerous exchanges.

In the starting on the fifth and last round, Edgar was capable to take Penn down and maintain him there for a few seconds. According to announcer Mike Goldberg, the two takedowns in this bout had been the very first time Penn may be taken down at light-weight in six many years. Edgar ongoing to stick and move, landing leg kicks and jabs and continuing to look as refreshing as he did from the initial round.

As quickly since the ultimate bell rang, Edgar raised his arms and his cornermen hoisted him inside air, convinced he was the victor. Penn went back to his corner and leaned around the fence.
"He's the best champion actually, and I just beat him! The belt does not even fit. Perhaps I am a 145-pounder," stated Edgar, who's little to the 155-lb weight limit on the compact division.

Watch UFC 118 as Frankie Edgar once far more fights against BJ Penn in his initial title defense!

MMA History:

Penn has a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu background in that he started focusing his submission game when he was 17 years old underneath the legendary Ralph Gracie. Three years after, Andrea Pederneiras gave him his black belt.

Like all MMA fighters, Penn also trains as being a stand up fighter. Actually, he's exceptional in that capacity too.

He can be a world champion jiu jitsu competitor, and was the very first American to gain the Planet Jiu Jitsu Championship at a black belt degree in Brazil. Soon after this success, the UFC approached him about entering the organization.

He fought Jens Pulver for that UFC Lightweight title, but lost by choice. He would battle Uno after far more, drawing once more to miss out for the belt. After the UFC stopped the Light division, Penn moved up to 170 to deal with Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes.

Contract problems along with other organizations triggered the UFC to strip Penn from the belt, but he would reconcile and return to deal with Georges St. Pierre. Even nevertheless he lost towards St. Pierre and his rematch with Matt Hughes, he continued on, determining to drop back 155, which was a far more suitable and normal weight class.

Penn dominated everybody the UFC threw at him inside 155-weight class, and by performing so he earned his rematch against St. Pierre. If effective, he'll be the only person to possess two UFC titles at the same time.

Fighting Style:

B.J. Nonetheless, opponents are nevertheless most concerned to hit the ground with him, as his unbelievable distribution expertise and renowned versatility make him a threat from any placement to end a battle in the moment's observe.

Penn vs. Matt Hughes:

But Penn's jiu jitsu benefit was quite apparent when he won that battle by very first circular rear naked choke. Soon after leaving the UFC to battle in Japan and losing his title mainly because of this, Penn ultimately came back again to take Hughes on once again at UFC 63. Though Penn battered him with strikes early on and nearly pulled out a distribution in the second circular, Hughes arrived back again to win by TKO.

Defining Moments:

Penn was the first non-Brazilian native to acquire gold in the black belt category at the Globe Jiu Jitsu Championships (also recognized since the Mundials).

Lyoto Machida is currently a contender within the UFC light heavyweight division. On the other hand, he was unable to cease the significantly lighter Penn during a decision victory over him in 2005.

When Penn defeated Joe Stevenson at UFC 80, he lastly accomplished the UFC Light and portable Championship belt that had eluded him versus Jens Pulver back at UFC 35.

Watch UFC 118, Saturday, August 28 at UFC 118: EDGAR VS. PENN 2

Mixed Martial Arts Background:

Penn includes a BJJ background in that he began honing his distribution video game when he was 17 years old beneath Ralph Gracie. 3 years after, Andrea Pederneiras gave him his black belt.

Like all MMA fighters, Penn also trains being a stand up fighter. In reality, he is superb in that capacity too.

"Baby" Jay Dee Penn was born in Kailua, Hawaii and has been combating out of Hilo at BJ Penn MMA. He is really a planet champion jiu jitsu competitor, and was the very first American to earn the Earth Jiu Jitsu Championship at a black belt degree in Brazil.

He fought Jens Pulver for the UFC Light in weight title, but lost by decision. After the UFC stopped the Light-weight division, Penn moved as much as 170 to encounter Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes. He submitted Hughes via a rear naked choke inside the initial round in a substantial upset, earning him his very first UFC title.

Contract issues and other organizations brought on the UFC to strip Penn from the belt, but he would reconcile and return to face Georges St. Pierre and his rematch with Matt Hughes, he continued on, deciding to drop back again 155, which was a far more appropriate and normal bodyweight class.

Penn dominated everybody the UFC threw at him within the 155-weight class, and by doing so he earned his rematch towards St. Pierre. If productive, he'll be the only person to have two UFC titles at the exact same time.

Fighting Design:

B.J. On the other hand, opponents are even now most concerned to hit the ground with him, as his unbelievable distribution abilities and mma legend versatility make him a threat from any position to end a battle inside a moment's discover.

He is 1 with the greatest submission fighters of all-time.

B.J. Penn vs.

No one gave Penn a possibility towards UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes when he decided to jump up to welterweight and fight him at UFC 46. Following all, Hughes was widely regarded as to become one of the most dominant welterweight in UFC background.

Although Penn battered him with strikes early on and nearly pulled out a submission inside the second round, Hughes came back again to acquire by TKO.

1. His submission triumph over Matt Hughes at UFC 46 caused folks to understand just how good his submission game was.


2. Lyoto Machida is currently a contender inside UFC light heavyweight division. Nevertheless, he was unable to quit the very much lighter Penn during a decision triumph more than him in 2005.


3. When Penn defeated Joe Stevenson at UFC 80, he ultimately accomplished the UFC Light and portable Championship belt that had eluded him in opposition to Jens Pulver back again at UFC 35.

Watch UFC 118, Saturday, August 28 at UFC 118: EDGAR VS. PENN 2

At last the UFC is arriving at the home of Celtic pride in one of the interesting grudge match of 2010! Penn is squaring off against reigining champion Frankie Edgar in a do-over of their hotly contested first meeting back in April at UFC 112, which saw Frankie Edgar amaze the world by winning even though he was the significant underdog.

Also inside fight card is the matchup between Ultimate fighting championship stalwart Randy "The Natural" Couture and IBA boxing champ James "Lights Out" Toney, in one of the a lot more interesting fights in Mixed martial arts history. Toney - a supremely skilled boxer with serious knock out power - has freely admitted he embraces the "boxing versus MMA" angle of the contest, and he's content to symbolize the "Sweet Science" - a sport where he's been contending professionally since 1988. Although Toney is creating his mixed martial arts debut inside the contest, the 41-year-old brings some 22 years of professional boxing experience to the cage. Toney has fought the finest from the entire world throughout his boxing career, and also the two-time Ring Magazine Fighter from the Year's unique shoulder-roll approach to striking has been a trademark throughout his tenure.

Watch UFC 118, Saturday, August 28 at UFC 118: EDGAR VS. PENN 2

2010 is turning out to be the era of amazing fights, and UFC 117: Silva vs Sonnen is not any different. UFC 117 boasts a solid card from top to bottom; some in the lower cards are as - if not a lot more - exciting than the primary card. Besides Silva vs Sonnen, watch out for Fitch vs Alves to ascertain the number one contender towards Georges St.-Pierre later this year. Nelson vs dos Santos will also determine the next in line for the heavyweight belt, to square off against the winner of UFC 121: Lesnar vs Velasquez. And one of the all time greats, Matt Hughes, will square off in opposition to Ricardo Almeida, a grappler fan's dream!

Junior dos Santos Tale of theTape

Cigano is a very dangerous man, and is broadly regarded as as getting peerless relating to punching potential. In spite of being only twenty-five and with just obtaining been in the Cage 12 times, the guy who destroyed fighters like Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Mirko CroCop with unreal precision, Junior "Cigano" dos Santos is often a legitimate title contender, and is also a single win away from obtaining that title match towards the victor of UFC 121: Lesnar vs Velasquez. But he's got to go through Roy "Big Country" Nelson very first in UFC 117: Silva vs Sonnen. Observe Junior dos Santos Battle Videos.

Considering that coming for the UFC in UFC 90: Silva vs Cote, Junior dos Santos has put over a boxing clinic and destroyed legends, legend-beaters, and up-and-comers alike. In UFC 90 he blitzed Brazilian JiuJitsu master Fabricio Werdum, a -800 SportsBook favorite, and knocked him out in the one:21 mark inside the very first round; should you don't know who Werdum is however, here's a quick reminder. On June 23, 2010, Werdum place his stamp for the annals of MMA history by turning into the very first individual ever to legitimately defeat The Last Emperor, Fedor Emelianenko, 1:09 to the first round. Cigano's subsequent opponent was Stefan "The Skyscraper" Struve, a 6'11? BJJ phenom, and he needed less than a minute to place the Dutchman towards terrain. Then he went to acquire around the legendary Mirko CroCop, very best identified for his kicking prowess, and the tag line "right leg, hospital, left leg, cemetery." At CroCop's peak, he was Pride's 2005 Open Grand Prix tournament winner, beating both Wanderlei Silva and Josh Barnett within the same night. Dos Santos left him bleeding; CroCop needed to concede the combat mainly because he couldn't see anymore right after dos Santos' knees and punches destroyed his left orbital bone. His left uppercut to win against Gilbert "The Hurricane" Yvel - a veteran knockout specialist also from Pride - affirmed his status as the "Pride Killer", and his subsequent knockout win - against Gabriel Gonzaga - cemented his spot amongst the other title contenders like Cain Velasquez and Shane Carwin.

The one particular question mark in Cigano's cv is the fact that he has yet to battle towards an elite wrestler, something Roy Nelson will remedy in UFC 117: Silva vs Sonnen. All of dos Santos' opponents came to the fight preparing to stand up with him, and even though Nelson can be a good striker in his own right, only a fool would try to at this point. That, and Nelson is really a much better wrestler than he is really a striker, so I expect this to go for the soil in the soonest possible opportunity. 1 prevalent believed is the fact that if Gabe Gonzaga can consider him down (albeit briefly), Nelson - a bonafide elite-level wrestler with a black belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu - is going to be in a position to do so as well, and really very easily. So the query becomes regardless of whether or not this will probably be fought about the soil - with Nelson's chin, it most likely will - but rather what dos Santos will do when it gets there. Will he be able to outgrapple Nelson? Unlikely, but Neson isn't likely being able to submit him either. Can he withstand Nelson's ground and pound?

Despite his prior wins more than world-class fighters, this match between Junior dos Santos vs Roy Nelson in UFC 117: Sonnen vs Silva remains Cigano's greatest (no pun intended) challenge yet.

Caligula, or Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus to the more historically inclined, once said: Let them hate, so long as they fear. Once, these sentiments had been the antithesis of every thing Anderson "The Spider" Silva stood for. He's scary, of course, and deservingly so: Silva might be simply the greatest mma star in an era that has also observed the likes of Fedor and Georges St.-Pierre. He'll knock his opponents out standing up before you can even blink, and he can tangle with wrestlers about the ground. Without having a doubt, he is easily the most feared MMA fighter in the world today. But hated?

He's often is soft-spoken and often well intentioned whenever mentioning his opponents, bowing before and after their fights. He was generally seen as a goofy guy who loved to laugh and joke around. He possesses a contagious smile that disguised his vicious persona inside the Cage, and the duality may have finally caught up with him.

This duality isn't much more apparent in UFC 90, the title with Patrick Cote; the match was only slightly going in Silva's favor till Cote injured his ACL early in the third round, leaving him no choice but to give up the fight, prematurely ending the match. Silva was upset by the heckles from the audience focused at Cote, effectively expressing that Cote earned a lot more than that, fighting hurt,going through arduous training camps, , fighting the pound-for-pound champion to a standstill, until that sickening moment when his lower-calf gave out. Silva spent years honing his art and turning out to be the fighter he's today, and you know he didn't like winning that way.

But public approval of him started to change right after the Thales Leites fight in UFC 97 - the first time any of his fights went to the judges. Both fighters were booed by fans expecting a fiercely contested fight, but Silva was uncharaceristically careful in the course of the fight en-route to a UD win. Things peaked in UFC 112, the infamous Demian Maia fight, where Silva completely outclassed Maia in the first couple of rounds but almost refused to fight within the next three, running close to and generally avoiding contact.

Now, rather than combating somebody significant for example Vitor Belfort (out because of injury) or Georges St.-Pierre, or even somebody within the higher weight classes such as Shogun Rua or Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva's prime is thrown away in fights towards subpar competition like Chael Sonnen. And sure, the UFC is performing its best to build up Sonnen as a legit contender, just like they did with Maia, Leites, Griffin, Cote, Chris Leben..
. fairly a lot everybody except Dan Henderson, who actually had a decent shot. And like everybody else before him, he will fail. Examine his past matches: the only people that posed a risk were Bjj experts; each other fighter, he just eats up and spits out. Sonnen wouldn't pose a considerable menace submission-wise, and while his wrestling is superb, he hasn't been capable to finish off anybody using the soil and pound in years. Chael sonnen could certainly carry Silva to the mat, but he will not have the ability to do very much there.

Long story short, Sonnen has a terrible matchup with Silva; styles make fights, and his style is something that Anderson Silva just breezes through. But that's apparently what Dana White wants. Silva is too fine a fighter to overcommit to a BJJ practitioner, which makes the battle "boring". Is that a bad point? It genuinely depends on exactly where you sit; the UFC is undertaking for Silva something Floyd Mayweather Jr. did: only choosing the finest fights, not fighters, for him. I'll watch UFC 117 online, without a doubt... but even betting men ought to feel a bit guilty picking Anderson Silva. But then again, they'd be pretty silly not to.

You can maintain your blog by logging in to your Bravenet account. Once you are logged in you can customize the layout, colors, and features. In addition, you can add your own links, edit your profile, add your friends, and change many other options to personalize your blog.

Once you begin using your blog, you can view statistics in your members area to see how many people are reading your blog as well as where they come from.

We hope you enjoy your Blog. Be sure to tell all your friends about this great new service from Bravenet!