SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – James Gallagher (7-1 MMA, 4-1 BMMA) played the part of super villain all week long, but Ricky Bandejas (12-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) never bought into the hype and was able to hand the much-hyped Irishman his first defeat.

The bantamweight bout took place on the Paramount-televised main card of Friday’s Bellator 204 event, which took place at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

After confronting his opponent in the moments prior to the start of the contest, Gallagher rushed out at the opening bell, landing a crushing low kick. Another followed, and though he slipped on the attack, he grabbed his opponent’s leg and threatened enough with a submission to give him to scramble back to his feet. Gallagher continued to attack the leg from the center position, though Bandejas did keep him honest with straight counters.

As the round unfolded, Gallagher stalked from the center, talking to his opponent while he worked. A quick takedown worked for Gallagher, but he ultimate backed away when Bandejas was quick to scramble. Once there, Bandejas landed a straight right that sent Gallagher to the floor. The Irishman scrambled up, but Bandejas didn’t let off the gas. A high kick landed clean to the chin, as well, and Gallagher collapsed to the canvas again. Bandejas jumped on top and finished him off with a devastating barrage of punches on the floor, brining an end to the contest at the 2:49 mark of the first frame.

Up-to-the-minute results include:

• Ricky Bandejas def. James Gallagher via via knockout (kick, punches) – Round 1, 2:49
• Tywan Claxton def. Cris Lencioni via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Omar Morales def. Troy Nawrocki via knockout (strikes) – Round 1, 0:58
• Demarques Jackson def. Bryce Logan via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
• Jason Jackson def. Jordon Larson via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:52
• David Michaud def. Corey Davis via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:42
• Romero Cotton def. Willie Whitehead via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:12
• Tyler Ray def. Seth Bass via knockout (strikes) – Round 1, 3:30
• Keith Phathaem def. Micah Peatrowsky via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Lloyd McKinney def. Robiel Tesfaldet via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 4:17
• Jeff Nielsen def. Wyatt Meyer via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:53

For complete coverage of Bellator 204, check out the MMA Events section of the site.