3 of the UFC's most foolish crossover bouts

Whether you're a boxer or a mixed martial artist, calling for a crossover bout has apparently become the chic thing to do.

It's hard to blame folks trying to get a piece of the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor pie as it looks like the two superstars are set to make a mint if they're actually able to negotiate a fight.

However, history has shown that seeing worlds collide has typically resulted in embarrassment, particularly for those warriors stepping into the Octagon equipped with little more than heart and blind ambition.

What better day than April 1 to look back at some of the brave fools who hoped they could turn their experience in other combat sports into instant MMA success?

Royce Gracie vs. Art Jimmerson (UFC 1)

More than anyone, Art "One Glove" Jimmerson blurred the line between boxing and MMA.

Jimmerson was a journeyman who likely would have been a footnote in UFC history were it not for his unforgettable appearance at the promotion's inaugural show back in 1993.

Not only was he the first victim of the legendary Royce Gracie, Jimmerson made the unique decision to leave one hand bare and wrap the other in a boxing glove. While there are differing accounts explaining this, former UFC executive Campbell McLaren said Jimmerson wanted to make sure the referee could see his uncovered hand tapping out if he got in danger.

Jimmerson's worst fear came to pass as he was immediately taken down by Gracie and literally grappled into submission. The eventual tournament winner didn't even apply an actual hold on Jimmerson and most records have Jimmerson giving up due to "position."

Randy Couture vs. James Toney (UFC 118)

As far as boxer versus MMA fighter goes, there were few worse matchups officials could have booked than Randy Couture versus James Toney. A three-time world boxing champion, Toney had the credentials and could talk a good game, but there was no way Couture was going to give him the chance to display his pugilistic prowess.

Couture took Toney down easily and proceeded to land some unnecessary ground-and-pound before mercifully silencing Toney with an arm-triangle choke.

As poor as Toney's performance was, he made a disclosed $500,000 for just over three minutes of work, so maybe this venture wasn't so foolish.

CM Punk vs. Mickey Gall (UFC 203)

You can't blame CM Punk for leveraging his professional wrestling fame into an opportunity to compete for the UFC despite having zero professional MMA experience. That said, it's hard to imagine his first fight going any worse.

The former WWE champion's signing was met with much fanfare in December 2014, only to see the narrative rapidly devolve into farce as injuries and questions about his readiness put his debut on hold. He was 37 by the time he finally stepped into the Octagon, 13 years older than his opponent Mickey Gall.

As it turns out, the unknown Gall was a legitimate welterweight prospect and he made Punk look like, well, James Toney. "The Straight Edge Superstar" was grounded and pounded in ugly fashion before Gall put him out of his misery with a rear-naked choke.

Two years after signing with the UFC, Punk's debut lasted two minutes and 14 seconds.

Unlike Jimmerson and Toney, Punk has given every indication that he plans to enter the cage again. Whether that's a wise move or not remains to be seen.