Brent Primus | Photo by Ben Booth/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The former Bellator lightweight champion returns to take on Dublin’s own, Peter Queally, in hostile territory on February 22.
Bellator’s European schedule for the new year kicks off in Dublin, Ireland and one of the country’s most beloved fighters, Peter Queally, will meet his most decorated opponent to date in the American, Brent Primus. The booking was first announced by Peter Carroll of MMA Fighting and he also reported that it would act as the event’s co-headliner on Feb. 22 inside 3Arena.
Primus (9-1) is a former Bellator lightweight champion who has spent the majority of his career in the promotion. After going 5-0 in the Viacom-owned company, including a victory over Derek Anderson, Primus was given a shot at the title and emerged victorious when he overcame Michael Chandler in the first round due to a doctor stoppage. In the immediate rematch, he dropped a unanimous decision to Chandler but subsequently bounced back when he defeated Tim Wilde by gogoplata in May. The 34-year-old will travel to Dublin and look to upset the partisan crowd in the hope of getting one step closer back to the belt he once owned.
Queally (12-5-1) is a well-travelled veteran of the European scene and has competed for the likes of Cage Warriors, BAMMA and FNG. This upcoming bout is the biggest opportunity of his career so far and a win over the former champion will catapult him among the best in the lightweight division. The SBG Ireland product made his Bellator debut back in February but lost a split decision to former teammate Myles Price in a heated grudge match. However, he bounced right back by taking out the highly regarded Englishman, Ryan Scope, three months ago to set up this high-profile match up. Queally is one of the main sparring partners of Conor McGregor.
Bellator Dublin is expected to be headlined by a bantamweight clash between James Gallagher and Cal Ellenor. A traditional numbered card will also feature on the same night with details to be announced shortly.