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A week of big signings in MMA

Written by: fightsportsonline on 7th March 2010

Photo by Esther Lin | read this item

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The biggest news this week from the UFC is that they have signed former boxing champion James Toney to a multi fight contract.

The 42 year old is currently being trained by Juanito Ibarra, former trainer of Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. At his peak in boxing he weighed in at around 168lbs, although now tips the scales around 230lbs.

According to Dana White, Toney will compete at 205lbs, although Toney himself has claimed he would prefer to fight at heavyweight. Time will tell.

His first opponent has not yet been named, although Kimbo Slice is the name being rumored.

Andrei Arlovski has signed with StrikeForce after months of speculation over the former UFC champion. After losing his last two fights, both by devastating knockout, the future of the Belorussian star looked to be in jeopardy. His first opponent for the promotion has been confirmed as Antonio Silva.

Tim Sylvia, another former champion who has fallen on hard times recently, is also being booked more regularly again. He has fights against Wes Sims in Canada, and Mariusz Pudzianowski (former world’s strongest man winner) lined up for this year, as well as a contracted fight in Dream at some point.

Josh Barnett has also been signed with Dream, despite the fact that his appeal to the CSAC has been put off yet again. His next opponent has yet to be confirmed although there are several rumors swirling around.

Whether he will be able to regain his license to fight in the United states ever again after being caught with steroids once again is unclear, but taking fights abroad whilst appealing is sure to count against him.

Photo: Esther Lin

Check out more of Esther’s work on: allelbows.com

Topics: Andrei Arlovski, James Toney, Josh Barnett, StrikeForce, Tim Sylvia, UFC