Bellator 217 Results: Gallagher vs. Graham

Bellator 217 was held on February 23, 2019, at Dublin’s 3Arena. James Gallagher submitted Steven Graham with a rear-naked choke in round one. MMA Fighting’s complete results list the card. Related reports: Bellator 216 and Bellator 218.

Gallagher, a rising star in the MMA world, showcased his grappling prowess against Graham. The fight began with Graham firing off powerful shots, but Gallagher was ready for him. In a matter of moments, Gallagher demonstrated a clinic of grappling offense, ending the fight with a rear-naked choke submission halfway through the first round. This victory marked a significant comeback for Gallagher, who had suffered the first loss of his career in his previous fight.

The co-main event featured a grudge match between Myles Price and Peter Queally. The fight was filled with tension due to the animosity between the two fighters. Price emerged victorious, winning via split decision. However, despite the high-profile nature of the fight, Price did not receive a post-fight interview in the cage, which sparked some controversy.

Another highlight of the event was the fight between Charlie Ward and Jamie Stephenson. Ward waited for Stephenson to come within reach, and the moment he did, Ward landed a powerful left that knocked Stephenson to the ground. Ward followed up with several shots to the head, ending the fight and securing his victory.

Kiefer Crosbie also had a notable performance against Daniel Olejniczak. Crosbie defeated Olejniczak via submission with a rear-naked choke in the first round, calling for a ‘top of the range’ 165-pound opponent for his next fight.

The audience was also a significant part of the event, with the crowd singing “Zombie” by The Cranberries, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Overall, Bellator 217 was a night of exciting finishes and standout performances, further establishing Bellator MMA’s presence outside the United States.

Sources

MMA Fighting’s complete results; Event results record.

Article Tags

Bellator, Bellator 217, Mixed Martial Arts