Even though few were taking the ‘UFC vs. Boxing’ label for the Randy Couture-James Toney fight seriously, the hype was enough to help that bout overshadow the main event at UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2.
Though Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn marked a rematch for the UFC Lightweight Championship, which Edgar earned by defeating Penn in a close matchup earlier this year, it was the Couture-Toney novelty match that drew the most interest. Would Couture use his clinches, takedowns and ground skills to overwhelm James Toney? Or would the boxer land a few strikes and make a big statement on behalf of the world of boxing?
In the end, it was Couture who proved victorious. The mixed martial artist quickly took Toney down, before advancing to mount and bombarded Toney with a ground-and-pound attack. After softening Toney up, Couture ultimately managed to secure an arm triangle choke for the first round submission victory. Toney did not land a single punch standing.
How did the other fights end? Results follow:
UNAIRED PRELIMINARY BOUTS
Mike Pierce b. Amilcar Alves via submission (cross-body armbar) at 3:11 of Round Three
Greg Soto b. Nick Ospiczak via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Dan Miller b. John Salter via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:53 of Round Two
SPIKE TV PRELIMINARY BOUTS
Nik Lentz b. Andre Winner via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Joe Lauzon b. Gabe Ruediger via submission (armbar) at 2:01 of Round One
MAIN CARD BOUTS
Nate Diaz b. Marcus Davis via technical submission (guillotine) at 4:02 of Round Three
Gray Maynard b. Kenny Florian via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) to earn a UFC Lightweight title shot
Demian Maia b. Mario Miranda via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Randy Couture b. James Toney via submission (arm triangle) at 3:19 of Round One
Frankie Edgar b. BJ Penn via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)