Jaison Jacob, this week’s winner of The Sunday Junkie (our weekly reader-feedback feature), takes the unpopular stance and explains why Toney was worth the investment.

Fans also discuss other aspects of UFC 118, wrestling’s rise to prominence in MMA, whether UFC champ Mauricio “Shogun” Rua should be stripped of the title, the danger of heel hooks, and other topics.

Jaison Jacob, this week’s winner of The Sunday Junkie (our weekly reader-feedback feature), takes the unpopular stance and explains why Toney was worth the investment.

Fans also discuss other aspects of UFC 118, wrestling’s rise to prominence in MMA, whether UFC champ Mauricio “Shogun” Rua should be stripped of the title, the danger of heel hooks, and other topics.

The same venue hosts the following night’s Spike TV-broadcast fight
card, which serves as a lead-in to the debut episode of “The Ultimate
Fighter 12.”

Additionally, top UFC middleweight contender (and pound-for-pound top
trash talker in MMA) Chael Sonnen hosts a special Q&A session prior
to the weigh-ins. Both events are free and open to the public.

As MMAjunkie.com first reported, Villefort will face Joey Villasenor, while Straus meets Karen Darabedyan.

The promotion today officially announced the changes.

The Shark Fights 13 fight card recently underwent some changes, with official moves from the company being announced recently to adjust the obstacles standing in the way of their originally scheduled line-up.<BR><BR>

WEC and UFC veteran Danillo Villefort received the call to officially replace Drew McFedries in the bout against Joey Villasenor at Shark Fights 13 on September 11 at the Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas.<BR><BR>

Also off the 9/11 live MMA card is Marcus Hicks, who will be replaced by Bellator FC veteran Daniel Straus in a lightweight preliminary fight against Karen Darabedyan.<BR><BR>

With these changes now official, the updated Shark Fights card for Sept. 11 looks as follows:<BR><BR>

<B>Shark Fights 13<BR>
Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas<BR>
Saturday, September 11, 2010</B><BR><BR>

-Keith Jardine vs. Trevor Prangley<BR>
-Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Houston Alexander<BR>
-Paul Daley vs. Jorge Masvidal<BR>
-Joey Villasenor vs. Danillo Villefort<BR>
-Brock Larson vs. Tarec Saffiedine<BR>
-Ronnie Mann vs. Douglas Evans<BR>
-Paul Bradley vs. John Reese<BR>
-Devin Cole vs. Aaron Rosa<BR>
-Karen Darabedyan vs. Daniel Straus<BR>
-Pete Spratt vs. Eric Davila<BR><BR>

<B><U>INTRO</U></B><BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR>

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?<BR><BR><!–more-break–>

<B>Toney VS. Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic:</B><BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR>

<B>Toney VS. Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello:</B><BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR><!–more-break–>

<B>Toney VS. Brett "The Grim" Rogers:</B><BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR>

<B>Toney VS. Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson:</B><BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR>

<B>Toney VS. Eddie Sanchez:</B><BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR><!–more-break–>

<B><U>OUTRO</B></U><BR><BR>

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.<BR><BR>

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 <A HREF="http://www.mmanews.com/forums" target="_Blank">MMANEWS.COM Forums</A> and the <A HREF="http://www.facebook.com/mmanewsdotcom" target="_Blank">MMANEWS.COM Facebook Page</A>.<BR><BR>

While a light heavyweight title fight between mini-grand-prix finalists
Gegard Mousasi and Tatsuya Mizuno was already assured, three additional
contests were announced overnight.

The new contests include Shinya Aoki vs. Marcus Aurelio, “Lion” Takeshi
Inoue vs. Kazuyuki Miyata and Hideo Tokoro vs. Joachim Hansen.

Phil Lanides from X-1 Media Relations sent along the following …<BR><BR>

It’s no secret that Hawaii has been hit very hard by the down economy. As a result, mixed martial arts events have taken quite a hit as well. Gone are the days of regular events from Superbrawl, ICON, and Rumble on the Rock. Now carrying the torch for Hawaiian MMA are promotions like X-1 and Destiny. X-1’s next event, Sept. 11th’s “Heroes,” will feature the top two Hawaiian fighters not fighting for the UFC in headliners Falaniko Vitale and Kala Hose, as they battle for the X-1 Middleweight Championship.<BR><BR>

As laid out in this article from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Billy Hull (<A HREF="http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/20100827_No_plans_for_UFC_in_Hawaii.html?mobile=true" target="_Blank">http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/20100827_No_plans_for_UFC_in_Hawaii.html?mobile=true</A>), many think that the UFC is looking at X-1’s “Heroes” as a barometer for whether or not the promotion will try to bring their brand of MMA to the Islands anytime soon. As a result, there’s a lot of pressure riding on X-1, as well as Niko and Kala, and the consequences of how “Heroes” does could be quite far-reaching.<BR><BR>

Regards,<BR>
Phil Lanides<BR>
X-1 Media Relations<BR><BR>

Maximum Fighting Championship sent along the following to MMANEWS.COM …<BR><BR>

<CENTER><B>Retribution weigh-in will be wild<BR>
MFC scene hits City Centre Mall hosted by Schiavello & Trigg</B></CENTER><BR><BR>

The official weigh-in for MFC 26: Retribution has quickly become the biggest pre-fight spectacle in the organization’s history.<BR><BR>

Since moving the weigh-ins to the popular City Centre Mall in downtown Edmonton , fans have turned out in droves to see the MFC’s outstanding lineup of fighters hit the scale. It will be an amazing scene again when the weigh-in for Retribution takes place on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 12:30 p.m. on the Lower Level of City Centre Mall.<BR><BR>

That amount of interest and the hype leading into Retribution is sure to make for another very interesting weigh-in, not to mention all the heated exchanges that have been building up this fight card with plenty of direct shots fired off between MFC lightweight champion Antonio McKee and challenger Luciano Azevedo, welterweight rivals Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford and Douglas “The Phenom” Lima, and middleweights combatants Tom “Kong” Watson and Jesse “JT Money” Taylor.<BR><BR>

And now the MFC has added a little more punch to the weigh-in for Retribution. The HDNet Fights announce team of “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg will be the official masters of ceremonies for the weigh-in. That dynamic duo will then be ringside the next night when MFC 26: Retribution goes live from the River Cree Resort and Casino on HDNet Fights beginning at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT.<BR><BR>

Just a few tickets remain for MFC 26: Retribution. Get yours now by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780) 504-2024 or via Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca and charge-by-phone (780) 451-8000.<BR><BR>

Kevin Sornatale from Spike Communications sent along the following to MMANEWS.COM …<BR><BR>

Below is the schedule for UFC programming on Spike for the week of Monday, September 6 – Sunday, September 12. Please let me know if you have any questions.<BR><BR>

All the best,<BR>
Kevin Sornatale<BR>
Spike Communications<BR><BR>

<B>· UFC UNLEASHED #207</B><BR>
Telecasts Wednesday, September 8 (7:00 – 8:00 PM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· UFC UNLEASHED #209</B><BR>
Telecasts Wednesday, September 8 (8:00 – 9:00 PM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· ULTIMATE KNOCKOUTS 8</B><BR>
Telecasts Wednesday, September 8 (9:00 – 10:00 PM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 3 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Saturday, September 11 (3:12 – 6:02 PM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 8 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Saturday, September 11 (6:02 – 9:16 PM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 10 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Saturday, September 11 (9:16 PM – 12:39 AM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 7 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Saturday, September 11 (12:39 – 4:00 AM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 5 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Sunday, September 12 (3:00 – 6:16 PM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 6 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Sunday, September 12 (6:16 – 9:38 PM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 9 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Sunday, September 12 (9:38 PM – 12:59 AM, ET/PT)<BR>
<B>· THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER SEASON 11 FINALE</B><BR>
Telecasts Sunday, September 12 (12:59 – 4:00 AM, ET/PT)<BR><BR>