PFL Grants Bellator Star James Gallagher His Release

James Gallagher, Bellator MMA
Patchy Mix and James Gallagher, Bellator 270 Credit: Lucas Noonan/Bellator MMA

Another Bellator star acquired by PFL after purchasing the rival promotion has been released from the company.

Ireland’s James Gallagher, a bantamweight who has trained alongside the likes of Conor McGregor at SBG Ireland, announced the news on Wednesday. Numerous Bellator stars have voiced their displeasure at the lack of action they’ve seen since the PFL took over Bellator and briefly renamed it the Bellator Champions Series.

A planned eight events in 2024, airing on HBO MAX, somehow became just five, with dates in Chicago, Paris, and Japan cancelled. The Bellator name was put to rest earlier this month, with the promotion rebranded as the PFL Champions Series, starting with the Road to Dubai card a week ago.

Confirming he’d asked for and been granted his release, Gallagher (12-3), still just 28, wrote on social media that “I want to thank [PFL MMA] for granting me my release out of my contract. I signed up to Bellator as a 19 year old kid with a 3-0 record right into the main card in the [O2 London]. Bellator MMA 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 sole into each and every event. I’m sad that this area (sic) 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 3 Arena Dublin.”

“It was really just a cocky kid that worked hard and achieved his dreams. I’m so thankful to everyone at Bellator MMA 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 @bellatormma 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 f*cking show like a JIMMY SHOW this is not the end, it’s the beginning of something bigger. Thank you Bellator MMA.”

Known as “The StrabAninal,” James Gallagher debuted for the then-Viacom owned promotion in 2016, and won his first four fights there. He’d then drop a bout against Ricky Bandejas, before embarking on a four-fight win streak that led him to a fight with future champ Patchy Mix. Since dropping that, Gallagher is 1-1, and coming off a loss to Leandro Higo in March of 2024, which marks his most recent MMA action.

Bellator featherweight champ Patricio Pitbull and brother Patricky were also granted their release this month.