James Toney.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAS VEGAS -- Boxer James (Lights Out) Toney is taking a crack at mixed martial arts, signing a multi-fight deal with UFC.

The 41-year-old Toney is a former super middleweight and cruiserweight champion who fought Roy Jones Jr., Evander Holyfield, John Ruiz and Hasim Rahman. But he hasn't had a significant title shot since March 2006, and he also tested positive for steroids twice.

UFC president Dana White believes Toney has the proper attitude to succeed in a crossover to MMA.

Toney isn't the first athlete to try the move. Herschel Walker won his MMA debut for Strikeforce on Jan. 30, and former boxer Ricardo Mayorga will make his MMA debut May 15 for a small Florida-based promotion.

The UFC hasn't determined the date or opponent for Toney's MMA debut.