(Props: TachiPalaceFights. Fight starts at the 2:03 mark.)
Two months after he barely survived his first post-UFC outing against Angel DeAnda, James Irvin was back in action last night at "Tachi Palace Fights 7: Deck the Halls" in Lemoore, California — and he wasn’t so lucky this time. In the main event of the evening, Irvin took on 5-2-1 Chute Boxe product Jorge "Van Damme" Oliveira, who holds victories over Shonie Carter and Mike Van Arsdale. After failing on a takedown attempt, Oliveira wound up on his back, and did his best to defend Irvin’s ground-and-pound. At the video’s 3:24 mark, Irvin’s gets enough space to rain down some nasty blows, and Oliveira kicks him off. Irvin dives back in, and is immediately caught in a triangle/armbar. Fun fact: Irvin hasn’t been out of the first round in over four years.
Maybe Oliveira is just an affectionate guy in general, but the dude lays it on a little thick in his post-fight show of respect, hugging and kissing Irvin on the mat, raising the Sandman’s arm in faux-victory, bowing to him in a "we’re not worthy" pose (dude, it’s James Irvin, you’re worthy), getting up to hug him some more, then hugging him again after a brief visit with his corner. Now we know why they call him "Van Damme."
The Tachi Palace event also featured an insane bout between TUF 11 castmember Seth Baczynski and WEC/UFC vet Tim McKenzie, which ended with Baczynski getting his left arm snapped in an armbar, then elbowing McKenzie into unconsciousness with his non-broken arm. 2010 Finish of the Year candidate, for sure. Check it out after the jump…








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commentsSecond fight was excellent.
I'd like to read that laundry list.
You wrote the article after the fight and forgot to subtract the Irvin win from his record.
I've always like him. But, maybe he and Chuck should open a car dealership together somewhere.
But, hey McKenzie, you got to fight until the fat lady sings! Can't let up bro, got to Paulo Fihlo suckas!
It also looked like the mohawk guy gave up the broken wrist because Rosenthal was almost laying on top of them. He even looked like he started to push them apart right before the elbows started flying.
thank god they were just making out a litte bit
the sub was like training, after the upkick Irvin did nothing to get out, just saw Oliveira moving his legs to connect the triangle armbar
Keep at it, James. Lord knows why... but I'm a fan.
I think Irvin got staggered a bit by that last upkick actually. his balance goes a little funny and he has little to no reaction when he goes down to his knees, he's sort of just frozen there. Easy finish after that. Definitely think that upkick caught him though, it clearly connects on his chin.
"I could've been a contender"
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