James Gallagher (born 24 October 1996) is an Irish professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of Rizin Fighting Federation. He previously competed in Bellator MMA and Professional Fighters League.
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Early life
Gallagher was born in Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. He began training in martial arts at a young age and gravitated toward mixed martial arts in his early teens. Influenced by the rise of Irish MMA and Conor McGregor, he joined SBG Ireland in Dublin to pursue MMA full-time.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Gallagher began his professional career in 2015, quickly securing a three fights of first-round submission wins on the regional promotion scene in United Kingdom and Ireland before signed with Bellator MMA.
Bellator MMA
On April 7, 2016, it was reported that Gallagher signed with Bellator MMA.
Gallagher made his promotional debut against Mike Cutting on July 16, 2016, at Bellator 158. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Gallagher was initially scheduled to face Kirill Medvedovsky on November 10, 2016, at Bellator 164. However, the promotion announced that Gallagher was moved to Bellator 169 on December 12, 2016, to serve as the co-main event against Anthony Taylor instead. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round three.
The bout with Medvedovsky took place on February 24, 2017, at Bellator 173. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one.
Gallagher faced Chinzo Machida on June 24, 2017, at Bellator 180. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one.
Gallagher was scheduled to face Jeremiah Labiano in the main event on November 10, 2017, at Bellator 187. However, Gallagher was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.
Gallagher was scheduled to face Ádám Borics on April 6, 2018, at Bellator 196. However, Gallagher withdrew from the bout due to suffered a hand injury.
Gallagher made his bantamweight debut against Ricky Bandejas on August 17, 2018, at Bellator 204. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round, suffered his first professional loss.
Gallagher faced Steven Graham on February 23, 2019, at Bellator 217. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one.
He returned to the cage at Bellator 270 in November 2021 but lost via guillotine choke to Patchy Mix. Gallagher has expressed plans to continue developing his all-around game to return to title contention.
Fighting style
Gallagher is a grappling-focused fighter with a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The majority of his victories have come by submission, most often by rear-naked choke or guillotine choke. He fights from an orthodox stance and often pressures early to bring opponents to the ground.
Personal life
Gallagher has been open about his struggles with anxiety and mental health, using his platform to speak about the pressures of professional fighting. He is known by the nickname "The Strabanimal" and remains based in Ireland.