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MMA

07th Apr 2016

SBG featherweight prospect James Gallagher is snatched up by Bellator

Huge opportunity

Darragh Murphy

James Gallagher has just reached the big leagues in the form of Bellator.

The biggest rival to the UFC has procured the services of one of the most exciting European prospects to emerge since SBG teammate Conor McGregor burst on to the global scene.

Gallagher is just 19 years old but he’s already impressed so much in his burgeoning young career that he’s had his potential backed by Bellator as they look to up their level of competition with the UFC.

Gallagher, nicknamed ‘The Strabanimal’ due to the fact that he hails from the Tyrone town, has stormed to a 3-0 record since turning pro last October.

All three of those victories have come via submission and he’s been touted as a future champion for some time by head coach John Kavanagh.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD5xTbdnC7w/

The most recent of those victories came in Dublin’s 3Arena in February when he drew the tap from Gerard Gilmore in the first round with a picture-perfect rear naked choke at BAMMA 24.

MMAFighting report that he’s set to compete once more under the BAMMA banner, with a featherweight clash against Limerick wrestler Sean Tobin scheduled for June 4, but his Bellator debut is expected before the year is out.