James Gallagher vs. Cal Ellenor, James Haskell’s MMA debut official for Bellator London

Third time's the charm for James Gallagher and Cal Ellenor? | Lee Hamilton-Cooper, Bellator MMA

James Gallagher was “heartbroken” with yet another fight cancellation, but Bellator was quick to set a new date and location for a fight with Cal Ellenor.

The company announced Thursday that “The Strabanimal” will headlined Bellator’s next trip to London on May 16. The card will also feature the mixed martial arts debut of former rugby player James Haskell in a heavyweight bout.

Gallagher and Ellenor were first scheduled to meet in Sept. 2019, but Ellenor withdrew with an injury. Gallagher, who tapped late-notice replacement Roman Salazar in just 35 seconds, was once again set to face “Pacino” at this weekend’s show in Dublin, but suffered a back injury.

Bellator London will take place at the SSE Arena, the same venue that hosted four of the promotion’s eight events in England.

Gallagher (10-1) fights under the Bellator banner since 2016, winning three in a row since suffering the lone loss of his professional career. Ellenor (8-2) hasn’t fought in over a year, choking Nathan Greyson in his first appearance in the Bellator cage in Newcastle.