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Bellator MMA is coming back to Irish shores.

The promotion have today confirmed that SBG’s James Gallagher (7-1) will headline the promotion’s return to Dublin, set for February 23 at the 3 Arena in Ireland’s capital.

‘The Strabanimal’ will look to rebound from the first defeat of his professional career when he takes on Bellator debutant Steven Graham (6-3) in the featured bout. Gallagher has become one of Bellator’s brightest stars since debuting with the organisation more than two years ago. He won his first four bouts before his 22nd birthday, including a first round submission against Chinzo Machida inside Madison Square Garden in the summer of last year, before dropping a TKO defeat to Ricky Bandejas last August.

 

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Nobody’s stopping this army because that’s gonna start wars. #thejimmyshow @pnp_photography_

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Graham, meanwhile, has won five straight bouts — four by submission — after starting his career with a 1-3 record to draw Bellator’s interest.

It is understood that there will be several Ireland-based fighters on the card, with further fight announcements due shortly. Several SBG members are part of the Bellator roster including Kiefer Crosbie, Peter Queally, Charlie Ward, Sinead Kavanagh and others.

Tickets for the event will go on sale to the general public at 9am on December 12.