James ‘The Sandman’ Irvin Set To Return In March
Injuries and a suspension kept James Irvin out of action for all of 2009, but the heavy handed striker is looking to finally make his middleweight debut as he returns to action in the UFC this March.
Irvin's return was confirmed to MMAWeekly.com on Thursday by sources close to the fighter, who indicated "The Sandman" would fight on either the March 21 card set for Versus, or at UFC 111 in Newark, NJ.
Irvin has not fought since July of 2008, when he was the first man to welcome Anderson Silva to the 205 lb. division. Following his brutal knockout defeat at the hands of Silva, Irvin tested positive for steroids and was subsequently suspended.
“The Sandman” was set to make his debut at the 185 lb. division at UFC 98 against Drew McFedries, but had to pull out due to a back injury.
Stay tuned to SB Nation for official date and opponent announcements.
