Bellator 187 takes place in Ireland next month, and rising Irish star James Gallagher was set to dazzle fans in his native land. However, an injury to “The Strabanimal” has forced the featherweight off the card, and forced Bellator to reshuffle a number of bouts. MMA Fighting first reported the news, which was later confirmed by a dejected Gallagher.
In a statement on Instagram, Gallagher (7-0) explained the injury:
Absolutely heart broken to have to pull out from my fight Nov 10th due to a knee injury. I’ve tore the LCL and PCL. I’m going to let it heal up and recover 100% and I’ll be back stronger than ever! Hopefully we can get the “jimmy show” back in the new year!
James Gallagher, who has won all four of his Bellator MMA bouts to date, had been set to take on Jeremiah Labiano (11-5) at the event. Labiano is now off the card as well, and is expected to be booked on an upcoming show. Gallagher had most recently defeated Chinzo Machida at Bellator 180 in June.
Now in the main event is A.J. McKee, with whom Gallagher has had some heated words in the past. McKee had originally been set to face Jeremy Petley at Bellator 187, but will instead fight Gallagher’s teammate Brian Moore (10-5) to top the card.
Moore’s original opponent Andre Goncalves will now take on Decky Dalton.
Got all that?
Bellator 187 takes place November 10 at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.
