James Gallagher is the latest Bellator fighter to request his PFL release.
Gallagher (12-3 MMA, 9-3 BMMA) has parted ways with PFL, the 28-year-old Irishman revealed Wednesday morning in an Instagram post.
He joins the likes of Patrico Freire and Patricky Freire, Gegard Mousasi, Neiman Gracie and Kai Kamaka, who have all voiced their displeasure with the lack of activity ever since the merger between PFL and Bellator. Gallagher had nothing but nice things to say about his tenure as a Bellator featherweight.
“I want to thank @pflmma 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 @theo2london @bellatormma 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 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 @thegarden in NYC to being main eventing on multiple occasions at home, the place where every Irish fighter dreams of selling out @3arenadublin. it was really just a cocky kid that worked hard and achieved his dreams. I’m so thankful to everyone at @bellatormma 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 fucking show like a JIMMY SHOW this is not the end, it’s the beginning of something bigger
Thank you @bellatormma
.”
Gallagher hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Leandro Higo at Bellator Champions Series: Belfast in March 2024. Gallagher also fell short in a grappling match against Movlid Khaybulaev this past December at ADXC 8. “The Strabanimal” has split his past four MMA appearances.
