On Friday, Feb. 24, Bellator MMA hosted its 173rd event from the SSE Arena Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The card was a joint effort with U.K. promotion BAMMA.
In the night’s main event, former light heavyweight titleholder Liam McGeary aimed to bounce back from losing the 205-pound title when he took on promotional newcomer Brett McDermott. McGeary was originally slated to face BAMMA and Cage Warriors mainstay Chris Fields, but the Irishman was forced out of the contest during fight week. England’s McGeary also saw his undefeated record come to a crashing halt in his last appearance, a unanimous decision loss to UFC veteran Phil Davis. The fellow Brit McDermott was actually the second replacement opponent for McGeary, as Vladimir Filipovic encountered visa issues. McDermott is a BAMMA veteran that has stopped six of his seven wins via strikes.
The card also featured red-hot Irish prospect James Gallagher, as well as UFC veteran Colin Fletcher.
The five-fight event will air on Spike TV via tape-delay at 9 p.m. ET.
James Gallagher def. Kirill Medvedovsky by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 2:53
Iony Razafiarison def. Sinead Kavanagh by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-25)
Alex Lohore def. Colin Fletcher by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 2, 2:42
Shay Walsh def. James McErleane by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)