• UFC 118

James Toney's a lot like Dan Hardy claims Zelaznik

James Toney only needs to land once © Getty Images

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Marshall Zelaznik, the UFC UK president, insists James Toney is in a win-win situation this weekend, and he likened the boxer's chances to those of Dan Hardy against Georges St-Pierre.

Toney has been totally written off ahead of his MMA debut, despite the fact he has 72 professional boxing victories to his name. The man named "Lights Out" due to his knockout ability, is expected to be embarrassed by a Greco-Roman veteran and UFC Hall of Famer when he meets Randy Couture on Saturday.

However, Zelaznik is less inclined to dismiss the champion boxer, insisting the fight is no different to when Hardy fought St-Pierre for the welterweight title. On that occasion GSP's wrestling dominated the fight, but the pre-event talk had focused on whether Hardy could land just one meaty hook to the jaw of the champion.

"James Toney is a championship boxer; it's actually not a lot different from seeing a seasoned MMA striker going in against a jiu-jitsu guy," Zelaznik told ESPN.co.uk. "If the striker can land his punch, the fight changes.

"If Toney can land his punch, why is that any different from Dan Hardy landing on GSP? Hardy needed to land a big blow or GSP was going to get hold of him.

"Obviously Hardy is more seasoned in MMA than James Toney, which is why you would expect Toney would be in big problems if he got taken down, whereas Hardy knew how to defend himself. But let's not forget that all Toney has been training is takedown defence and clinch work. And he was superb in his day at boxing inside, so how he handles that type of situation will make a big difference."

Couture has brushed aside the pressure of the representing MMA in a boxing-vs-MMA battle on August 28, but Zelaznik admits defeat would be bad for The Natural's legacy.

"James Toney's in a win-win. If he loses, everyone expects it. If he wins, he creates a huge moment in the sport. Whereas Randy Couture's in a lose-lose. If he wins, everyone expects it. If he loses, it's going to be horrific for him."

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