The 'Strabanimal' will fight in Madison Square Garden at Bellator 180

by Gráinne Connolly

Rising MMA star James Gallagher will be waving the flag for both Ireland and the North West this summer as he announced he will be fighting in Madison Square Garden. 

He goes by the name 'The Strabanimal' and is only 20 years old and has the opportunity to fight in the biggest fight venue in the world.

 

The strabanimal is coming to steal the show @thegarden in NYC. 20 years old fighting in the biggest fight venue in the world. Im honoured to be able to represent my country, my team and my town of Strabane on the biggest show in the world. I'm coming here to steal the show. Thank you to my family and coaches and Bellator! The Irish are coming to New York!! Lets f*****g do this. From st pats hall in Strabane to MSG in NY 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 #thestrabanima #BT82

A post shared by James gallagher (@james1gallagher) on Mar 27, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT

James will be taking on Chinzo Machida in the 'Bellator 180 Featherweight feature event'. 

Fans have taken to twitter to show their support for the young fighter. 

What an opportunity @StrabanimalMMA can't wait for this!! 🇮🇪🇮🇪 https://t.co/nPMx6NbYv1

— Jamie Conlan (@JamieConlan11) 27 March 2017

Suits you at the top @StrabanimalMMA 👑 Madison Square Garden New York f**king city baby 💪🏼 24th June 🇨🇮 😁 #Bellator180 pic.twitter.com/8r4vl8ZwZ1

— Caoimhe Harkin (@CaoimheHarkin) 27 March 2017

Along with his Coach, John Kavanagh (John is well known in the MMA business and is also coach to 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor)

An honor to face someone from the legendary Machida family. See you soon New York pic.twitter.com/FolTcHdWY7

— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) 27 March 2017

The fight will take place on June 24th in Madison Square Gardens, New York.