Bellator 217: Gallagher vs. Graham - February 23 (OFFICIAL DISCUSSION)

Bellator is set to return to Dublin on Saturday, February 23, as trash-taking Irish prospect James Gallagher (7-1) looks to defend his home turf against Steven Graham (6-3) in the bantamweight main event of Bellator: Gallagher vs. Graham at 3Arena.

James Gallagher readies for his highly anticipated return to Dublin on Feb. 23, where he will look to start his 2019 campaign off with a bang. Fighting out of Strabane, Ireland, "The Strabanimal" hopes to notch his eighth career win and fifth since joining Bellator two years ago. With seven victories and six finishes over a three-year stint, the Straight Blast Gym (SBG) product is undoubtedly one of the brightest young stars in the MMA world. With impressive finishes over Chinzo Machida and Anthony Taylor, Gallagher hopes to duplicate that same success inside Dublin's 3Arena in front of the Irish faithful.

Fighting out of Kansas City, Mo., Steven "Golden" Graham enters the bout riding an impressive five-fight winning streak that dates back to March of 2017 in Shamrock FC. The 27-year-old bantamweight Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt is known for his gritty style and consistent pressure inside the cage, where each of his six wins have concluded with a finish, including five in the opening round. A product of American Top Team KC under veteran Jason High in Lenexa, Kansas, Graham hopes to add to his recent success when he squares off against fan-favorite Gallagher inside the Bellator cage.

Good thing they have a decent star to headline the show. It's just too bad he got laid out in his last fight though.