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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Darragh Kelly, top, in action against Kye Stevens during their lightweight bout. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Darragh Kelly has been named as one of ESPN's 'top 25 under 25' to watch in 2023.
The Moville man is 2-0 after his first year as a professional and the Bellator lightweight will face Dorval Jordan at the 3Arena in Dublin in February.
The 24-year-old Kelly trains out of SBG in Dublin and is at number 24 on ESPN's list.
A nine-person panel of Phil Murphy, Carlos Contreras Legaspi, Andres Waters, Air Broom, Jeff Wagenheim, Eddie Maisonet, Andrew Davis, Brett Okamoto and Marc Raimondi selected fighters based both on achievement and potential.
“Kelly might not be the kind of hyped future star that Conor McGregor was once upon a time, but 'The Moville Mauler' will win plenty of MMA fights before he's done,” Raimondi wrote.
“Training under John Kavanagh and Dave Roche, Kelly is undefeated across 11 fights, pro and amateur, with a nice mix of knockout and submission finishes.
“He's a three-time Irish amateur champion and Bellator was wise to lock him up this early.”
Kelly will line up for the third time as a pro at Bellator 291 at the 3Arena on February 25.
In September, Kelly defeated Kye Stevens and vowed immediately afterwards: “I’ll be back better than ever. I’ll be here to put on a show.”
Kelly made a winning start to life as a pro when defeating Junior Morgan in February.
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