James Gallagher injured, Bellator bantamweight grand prix takes another blow

James Gallagher joins champion Sergio Pettis on the list of fighters withdrawn from the Bellator bantamweight grand prix thus far.

On Wednesday, a promotion official confirmed Gallagher’s withdrawal due to an undisclosed injury that required surgery. A replacement is expected to be named in the coming weeks. Sports Illustrated first reported the news.

Gallagher had not yet been paired up for the opening round of the tournament, though sources tell MMA Junkie that he was likely to face Magomed Magomedov.

“I’m gutted to be watching this tournament unfold from the sidelines,” Gallagher told Sports Illustrated. “I will be ready to go later in the year and available to fill in as an alternate if anyone gets hurt.”

With Juan Archuleta replacing the injured Pettis on April 23 against Raufeon Stots at Bellator 279 in Honolulu, that leaves two open slots in the tournament as it nears its launch. An interim Bellator bantamweight title will be implemented in that matchup, and will carry throughout the progression of the tournament.

Alternate Josh Hill is currently slated to fight Enrique Barzola at Bellator 278 on April 22. Archuleta vs. Stots takes place at the same event as Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Patchy Mix, with Magomedov and Higo expected to fight later in the year against yet-to-be-determined opponents.