Ricky Bandejas was just seen in the cage at Bellator 204, defeating highly touted prospect James Gallagher by first round knockout.
There was a lot of trash talk coming from Gallagher in the lead up to the fight, but Bandejas didn?t expect it to continue on the fight day itself.
?I definitely expect the week of (the fight), you know?social media and all that. I did not expect?right before he walked out, he?s in the hallway?yelling and talking crap and all that. I?m in the ring and I did see him coming in my face, especially because we?re about to fight. I totally didn?t?it took me by surprise,? says Bandejas in an exclusive interview with Fightful?s James Lynch.
Bandejas became the first fighter to defeat Gallagher, putting an end for plans revealed by Gallagher to fight Darrion Caldwell for the bantamweight title in Ireland.
Oddsmakers had Bandejas listed as the underdog at Bellator 204, but Bandejas not only came up big for himself, but the fighter also won a lot of people who bet on him some good money.
?I had tons, my family alone..my wife?all my family friends, they all bet on me and then a lot of messages from people I didn?t even know. (they were) saying ?thanks for winning me some money,? so I?m good. If I can win you money, I?m happy with that,? says Bandejas.
No word has been given yet as to when Bandejas will return to action, but that underdog label may not be applied to the fighter any longer.