Bellator 158 will be hosting one of the hottest European prospects in the game, James Gallagher.

James Gallagher is a 19 year old prospect hailing from Northern Ireland. Gallagher has been brought up under the tutelage of John Kavanagh, with the infamous SBG Ireland camp.

Thus far, Gallagher’s professional career has been perfect. The young Irishman’s current record stands at 3-0, with all of his finishes coming by way of submission.

Cagepages took the opportunity to pick the young prospect’s brain before he makes his Bellator debut.

Before digging in on his backstory, Gallagher nonchalantly explained his entry to the sport. When asked how and why he started training Gallagher had a simple answer.

“I just kinda knew I wanted to try it and just kinda started up at the local gym one day to see what was up.”

A significant portion of Gallagher’s success is due to Kavanagh’s mentoring, and their relationship goes beyond coach-student. Until recently Gallagher even lived with his coach.

“I actually moved about three months ago. I got my own apartment. I can never thank John enough for taking me in and getting me where I am. I lived with him for about 3 years. I used to travel for hours to train. When I would train with John he talked to me friends and family and they were getting off quite well. I quit school to keep training and he said I could live with him Monday through Friday and go back home on the weekends.”

Due to the otherworldly success and fame of Gallagher’s SBG teammate Conor McGregor many view the camp as a striker’s paradise. Contrary to that idea Gallagher has been recognized for his grappling more than anything.

“Yeah in all my fights I grapple. You could say that, but I feel like that I’m good all around. I’m okay no matter where the fights goes. You could say I’m only a submission guy, but I feel I can handle my own against anyone anywhere.”

When asked about his opponent Gallagher had little prior knowledge, but he expects his grappling is going carry him in his next fight.

“I don’t know very much about him, but I think I’m his worst nightmare. He will crumble underneath my pressure. He’ll probably do something stupid like pull guard, and I’m not the guy to do that with.”

Having success at such a young age means more than a paycheck for the talented Gallagher. Being able to fight in Bellator on such a big card gives Gallagher a sensation of fulfillment.

“It means my dreams have come true, know what I mean? This is all I’ve ever dreamed of. This is what my life revolves around. I’m having fun and living it up. I’m just loving this and working hard and reaping all the rewards and next Saturday night I’ll go in there and give it my all.”

Gallagher comes from one of the most high profile camps in mixed martial arts, but part of the camp’s success is due to their speaking ability. Gallagher addressed the importance of self-promotion, and why their talk isn’t as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be.

“No they just tell me fight and be yourself. Everyone is making it kind of weird. It’s an Irish thing slagging each other getting each other sick and getting your own confidence, especially where we come from. You gotta stand up for yourself in these kind of areas. There’s nothing to do and nothing to see. You gotta be able to handle yourself verbally and physically. It’s a very Irish thing to be very vocal.”

Ahead of such a major step in his career, Gallagher speaks with poise and reserve uncommon for someone of his age. To catch the phenom in action tune in to Bellator 158 on Spike, or follow him on Instagram and Twitter.