Video: James Toney Ready to Flop Like a Manatee, Sting Like a Stingray Against ‘Octopus’ Couture

(Video courtesy BJPenn.com)

Not wanting to be outdone by smack-talking sonnet writer Chael Sonnen, James Toney is stepping up the pre-fight banter ahead of his UFC 118 showdown with Randy Couture on August 20.

In his most recent interview with BJPenn.com, the 41-year-old International Boxing Association heavy weight champion who likens himself to a stingray, calls Couture “a octopus” who he says would be the equivalent of “a bum in boxing” skill-wise. He once again attempts to goad the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion into standing and trading with him “like a man” and not laying on top of him “f-ing him like he’s his girlfriend.”

I’m starting to think “Lights Out” is a bit more concerned about being on his back than he’s letting on. 

On the bright side, James, maybe Randy will give you half of his money and let you keep his last name after he beats you lays on top of you for three rounds.

Here’s what Toney had to say about Couture and his style of fighting:

“Randy….respect to him. He’s a legend in this sport. In boxing, he would be considered a bum. He’s runnin’ his mouth sayin’ he’s gonna do this and do that. Talk is cheap. Bring your ass. Be a man. Come fight me. If you want to wrestle or lay on top of somebody, go f**k with your girlfriend. Don’t f**k with me like that, cos’ I’m gonna hurt you. I promise you.” 

“He’s a holder. Like I said, I’ve been in there with the best in the world, man. He ain’t never seen nobody like me before in his life. I don’t care if it’s MMA, boxing or whatever; he ain’t never seen nobody like me. I’ve seen it. I’ve been there. I’ve fought clinchers. Maybe not huggers like this dude. This dude’s like a octopus, but you know what? What happens to a octopus if he goes into a stingray? You know what [happens]? That’s what’s gonna happen. In order for you to grab me and get close to me, you have to get in my range. And when you get in my range, that’s when I’m gonna take yo’ head off.”

“Everybody come out, “What you gonna do about this?” Man, dirty boxing, wrestling – his wrestling is nothing. In order for you to wrestle, you have to get close and once you get into that range, it’s over with. All I need is three inches to hit you – that’s all I need. If it’s a rib, I’m gonna break it. Put it this way, on August 20, I’m gonna break something on Randy Couture. I’m either gonna break his jaw, or I’m gonna break his ribs – either or, whichever comes first.”

And here’s Toney’s somewhat interesting take on where boxing and MMA stand today:

“Everyone know that boxing is still the number one sport in the world, even though the UFC and MMA are puttin’ on better shows. I’ll give you all that. I’m not gonna dispute that at all. But you know boxing is still the number one sport in the world. What else you gonna get when two men stand toe-to-toe, blow-for-blow? Instead, in this sport right here, you got one man who’s scared to get hit and another man who all he wants to do is lay on you. That’s not exciting.”