The Welshman Brett Johns has been angling for a fight for a while now. Calling out several names at the top of Bellator’s Bantamweight pecking order. One of those names was James Gallagher, and he has answered. Set to take place in Dublin Ireland it’s the perfect place for Gallagher to return after an injury layoff.
Brett “The Pikey” Johns
The 30-year-old from Swansea has amassed an impressive record over his almost 10-year professional career. Currently standing at 18-3, he has one of the most impressive resumes in the whole of the Bellator Bantamweight division. Out of his 18 wins, Brett has nine finishes. Three KO/TKO and six submissions.
Johns has become well known for his superb wrestling and relentless pressure, usually using his ground acumen to grind opponents down and score the victory. The last time out for Brett was his second trip to the Bellator cage. Although unsuccessful in his first, Johns bounced back with a third-round TKO stoppage over Khurshed Kakhorov. The aforementioned fight also took place in Dublin.
At only 30, Johns has a wealth of top experience and with a win, he will be hoping to start his run at Bellator gold. With the Bantamweight Grand Prix currently ongoing any and every 135ers will be looking to make a statement and get their shot once the tournament has concluded.
James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher
Fighting out of Ireland, James will be right at home when he competes in September. Part of the now world-famous SBG Ireland team. Gallagher is in there with some of the biggest names in the sport so the occasion will suit him just fine. Training with some massive MMA stars like Conor McGregor seems to have been rubbing off on the 25-year-old who has gained fans through his confident attitude and post-fight interviews.
So far backing his word up James’ record currently stands at 11-2. Nine submission wins have seen Gallagher become a feared grappler. Willing to tangle with anyone in this domain. Looking to bounce back after his last outing. Gallagher will no doubt be looking for the kill against another very impressive Bellator Bantamweight contender.
Currently #7 in the rankings, with a win here James will see himself within touching distance of the title. 25, and with 13 fights under his belt, James has the perfect platform to propel himself up the division and make himself a household name not only for Bellator but Irish MMA as well.
The Fight
When two grapplers collide, there are usually two things that can happen. Firstly, a grappling showcase where both fighters show plenty of skills. Trading scrambles, sweeps, submission attempts, and anything else in their respective repositories. Secondly, a stand-up war where each competitor tries to show their entire arsenal and feel they have an advantage on the feet.
If you’re wondering how this fight will play out there is only one way to find out. Tune in on September 23rd. In conclusion, this is a top match-up that could go in many directions, with the winner no doubt moving into a promising position for upcoming fights.
Who do you think wins out of Brett Johns and James Gallagher?
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Featured image credits to Lucas Noonan Bellator MMA and @BrettJohnsMMA
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