Irish MMA star James Gallagher is being tipped to be the next big thing in the sport – with many comparing him to Conor McGregor.
Not only is he leading the card for Bellator London this weekend – but he also got the media’s attention for his “trash talk” at a press conference ahead of his fight.
James was heard telling his opponent “shut your f***ing mouth”, and of course it’s this showman behaviour the world loves UFC champion Conor for.
Shut your fookin’ mouth.#Bellator223 pic.twitter.com/lqLZdnXavi
— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) June 20, 2019
At just 22, James has a long MMA career ahead of him, with many in the industry believing his is the next big star to come out of Ireland.
Following in Conor’s footsteps, James has John Kavanagh as his coach – the Dubliners long time MMA coach.
The fighter has been a team mate of Conor’s in Dublin’s SBG gym, and constantly supports the Proper No. Twelve founder.
This week he hopes Conor makes a return to the UFC – but only if he gets shares in the company, which the Dubliner has openly been demanding.
“I hope he does (return) because I feel like he shouldn’t come back unless he gets what he deserves,” he told ESPN.
“This is a game about you stand up for what you believe in. You have that loyalty. Being Irish it is bred into us, being young, you stand up for what you believe in.
“Take nothing less than what you deserve. You have that loyalty to death,” he added.
Bellator 223 will air on Virgin Media Sport from 10pm.
