James Gallagher is a free agent.
‘The Strabanimal’ confirmed via a post to social media on Wednesday that he requested and was granted his release from the PFL, which last year secured the rights to Bellator in a deal which shook up the MMA industry and prompted several fighters to pursue opportunities outside the organisation.
Gallagher, 28, signed with Bellator as a teenager and would compete for the promotion on 12 occasions, with his most recent victory coming in August 2023 against James Gonzalez. During his Bellator stint, Gallagher would be a focal point for the company’s entry in the Irish MMA market and would headline or co-headline several events in Dublin’s 3Arena.
“I want to thank [PFL] for granting me my release out of my contract,” Gallagher wrote on Instagram.
“I signed up to Bellator as a 19 year old kid with a 3-0 record right into the main card in the [The O2, London]. [Bellator] was something special. I’m so grateful for all the years of hard work that I put in that I could be the first Irish guy at the fore front for them in Ireland to build up [Bellator Europe].
“I put my heart in soul into each and every event. I’m sad that this area of my life is over, but excited for my future as a 28 year old young man who had to learn on the job as I built my way up to CO main eventing Bellator 180 in a sold out [Madison Square Garden] in NYC to being main eventing on multiple occasions at home, the place where every Irish fighter dreams of selling out [the 3Arena].
“It was really just a cocky kid that worked hard and achieved his dreams. I’m so thankful to everyone at [Bellator] they were a pleasure to work with and grow with over the years. I am only 28 years old young and have got veteran experience now from handling crowds, media and everything that comes with it.
“As the area of my life is over a new one begins. Thank you to absolutely everyone who supported my career with [Bellator] who spent their hard earned money to come and see me fight. The next rise is going to blow it out of the water and we will make one thing clear, there’s no fucking show like a JIMMY SHOW.
“This is not the end, it’s the beginning of something bigger. Thank you [Bellator].”
Gallagher joins several other fighters including the Pitbull Brothers and Gegard Mousasi in having been granted release from their PFL deals.
