What would be your initial reaction if you come to know that the age when retirement ideas loom large in a sportsman’s mind; someone is planning to try his luck on a completely different domain? Don’t believe us? Well, something exactly like that may well happen soon because 41 year old, aging boxing champion James Toney is planning his professional Mixed Martial Arts debut and he wishes to join UFC to get that global platform. This current IBO and NABO Heavyweight Boxing Champion has been quite successful in boxing and now he is in regular touch with UFC president Dana White to compete inside the octagon.

The rumors started to spread when Toney made an appearance in December’s UFC 107 where Toney first met White to discuss a potential fight in the UFC. Later in Las Vegas, Toney appeared again in Saturday night’s UFC 108. When asked about his consecutive visits, Toney jokingly said that next time he will visit Dana’s private residence unless he gives him a chance to prove his worth in the octagon. Dana White denied any potential agreement with Toney but only confirmed an appointment to discuss the matter.

But Toney’s decision has certainly raised a few eyebrows. In fact, there are more questions than answers. For example; Toney makes much larger paydays in his boxing ring than he would be able to earn in UFC. But White said that it is the dwindling paydays in boxing that made Toney interested in UFC. Secondly, even if the money matter is sorted out, what will be Toney’s chances to succeed here? Mixed Martial Arts is a little different from boxing and this sport is yet to see a professional boxer gaining success in the cage. Toney is undoubtedly past his prime and MMA needs something more than accurate and strong pair of hands. UFC recently criticized rival promotion Strikeforce for signing 47 year old former NFL maestro Herschel Walker, now will they hand over the same weapon to their rival promotion? Only time can tell.