‘The Sandman’ Signs with Gladiator Challenge

Sherdog.com StaffJan 28, 2011

The California-based Gladiator Challenge promotion on Tuesday announced the signing of UFC veteran and former World Extreme Cagefighting heavyweight champion James Irvin to a multi-fight contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Irvin will meet Mike Crisman in the Gladiator Challenge “Young Guns 4” main event on Saturday at the Elko Indian Colony Gymnasium in Elko, Nev. “The Sandman” last appeared under the Gladiator Challenge banner in March 2004.

“We are so pleased to have James back with us,” Gladiator Challenge promoter Tedd Williams said in a release. “He’s getting the platform he needs to launch himself back onto the national scene, and we get to present one of the most exciting fighters out there to our rabidly faithful fans. It’s a great situation for both sides.”

Irvin has lost four of his last five fights. The 32-year-old Huntington Beach, Calif., native has not competed since December, when he submitted to a first-round triangle choke from Jorge Oliveira at Tachi Palace Fights 7. A rugged stand-up fighter, Irvin has secured 11 of his 15 career victories by knockout or technical knockout. Wins over Houston Alexander, Scott Smith and former WEC champion Doug Marshall anchor his resume.

Crisman has dropped seven of his past eight bouts. He snapped a seven-fight losing streak with a first-round submission over Brandon Marchant inside the Fight King promotions on Jan. 15.