ONE OF THE world’s leading mixed martial arts organisations could be set to hold an event in Ireland in the coming months for the first time in its seven-year history.

Bellator, the most prominent rival to the UFC in the MMA world, says it plans to capitalise on the increasing popularity of the sport here by bringing fights to Ireland before the end of 2016.

The organisation, which is owned by US media giant Viacom, was established in 2009 and had previously focused solely on North America. However, this year has seen Bellator host events in Italy and the UK, with one also planned for Israel next month.

“I can’t talk in too much detail just yet but I think you’ll see us in Ireland sooner than you might expect. Probably before the end of this year we’ll have a fight in Ireland,” Bellator president Scott Coker told The42.

“As you know, Bellator is owned by Viacom — who owns Channel 5 and Spike UK — so I think that you’ll see us in that territory, [the UK] and Ireland, this year and you’ll probably see us there four times next year.”

Bellator has made significant progress in 2016 by snapping up several of the biggest names in MMA, including ex-UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and former UFC title contenders Rory MacDonald and Chael Sonnen.

They also made their first play for the Irish market by signing 19-year-old featherweight James Gallagher. The Straight Blast Gym product, who hails from Strabane and trains under John Kavanagh and alongside UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, took his professional record to 4-0 in his Bellator debut in London in July.

Bellator president Scott Coker. Source: Bellator MMA

“James is a young kid but we have a lot of faith in him that he will develop into a big star for Bellator all over the world,” said Coker, who’ll be in Tel Aviv on 10 November when Gallagher takes on Kirill Medvedovsky at Bellator 164.

“He’s a talented fighter but he also brings more than just fighting to the table. How he carries himself outside of the cage, he’s years ahead of his age in terms of how he handles himself. It’s really impressive for such a young guy. What he achieves will be up to him.”

Coker added that Bellator intends to increase the Irish presence on its roster: “We’re working with some of the top camps in the UK and Ireland in trying to find the up-and-coming new talent that will be the future of the sport. There are a lot of great fighters from that region and we’re always looking for the next guy or girl to bring to Bellator.”

Coker didn’t confirm any potential dates or venues for Bellator’s debut in Ireland, but with the UFC heading for Belfast’s SSE Arena on 19 November, the 3Arena would appear to be the most likely destination for a show of Bellator’s stature. However, a lack of available dates at the Dublin venue could prove to be a significant stumbling block.