Gallagher Submits Graham At Bellator 217

James Gallagher bounced back from his first pro defeat with a quick win in front of his home country fans of Ireland.

About halfway through the first round of Bellator 217, which took place in Dublin, Gallagher locked in a rear naked choke to submit Steven Graham and pick up his first victory since 2017. The win also put him in track to potentially be a part of Bellator’s next major project as he previously stated that he would be open to dropping down to featherweight to compete in an upcoming 16-man tournament that Bellator is organizing.

In the co-main event Myles Price scored a split decision victory over Peter Queally in what was a slugfest between the two fighters. Price got his first win since May 2018 while Queally suffered his fifth career loss and first since 2017.

They're biting down on the mouthpieces in round two here in our co-main event between @PeterQueally and @Myles_Splinter.

Watch the #Bellator217 main card LIVE now on @SkySports in the 🇬🇧 & 🇮🇪.

See our main card in the 🇺🇸 at 9/8c on @ParamountNet & simulcast on @DAZN_USA. pic.twitter.com/MEZRNioNuv

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 23, 2019

Also on the card, Charlie Ward destroys Jamie Stephenson with a sweeping left hook in the first minute of their fight to drop him and immediately land a pair of strikes until the referee came in and stopped the fight. The win was Ward’s third straight victory with all three wins coming in the first round.

👊🍀Woah! @RelentlessWard with another big KO just 0:44 into round one!

Catch the #BellatorDublin prelims in the 🇺🇸at 6/5c. pic.twitter.com/KHSgEaakEH

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 23, 2019

Bellator 217 Results:

James Gallagher defeated Steven Graham by submission (rear naked choke) in round 1, 2:31

Myles Price defeated Peter Queally by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Charlie Ward defeated Jamie Stephenson by KO, round 1, 0:44

Kiefer Crosbie defeated Daniel Olejniczak by submission (rear naked choke) in round 1, 4:08

Richie Smullen defeated Adam Gustab by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)