Madison Square Garden played host tonight to Bellator 180, featuring a three round contest between Chinzo Machida and James Gallagher prior to the Bader vs. Davis main event. The fight was second up on the Spike TV card after Heather Hardy made her MMA debut.
Machida Karate proponent and older brother to Lyoto Machida, Chinzo Machida stepped into the cage tonight riding a four fight that started back in November of 2013. With a move to Bellator in 2016 and two more wins under his belt he looked to build on his success with a win over Irish prospect James Gallager.
James Gallarger entered the evening riding an undefeated MMA record of 6-0. The team SBG prospect has seen further success since moving to Bellator with three wins in as many fights under the promotion and two of those coming by submission. Tonight with his eyes on toward the title he looked to get one step closer to that goal.
The first round saw Gallarger come out quickly with both fighters feeling each other out until Gallarger could get things moved to the ground. He then quickly transitioned into mount where he was able to drop a elbows and then take Machida’s back. Gallarger then locked a body triangle and went to work, opening up a cut around Chinzo’s eye. It wasn’t long before Gallagher got his arm under the chin for the rear-naked choke and the win.
James Gallagher def. Chinzo Machida by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 2:22
