James Gallagher's last-minute opponent Roman Salazar has said that his chance to headline Bellator Dublin tomorrow night is a bigger opportunity than when he signed for the UFC.
The 13-9 American, who missed the 140 pound weight limit for the fight, replaced Cal Ellenor for the massive 3 Arena main event after receiving a call from his former agent suggesting it was a possibility.
Asked if the chance to face Gallagher in his home country was a more substantial opportunity, Salazar told Mirror Sport: "I would definitely say it is.
"Every fighter's dream is to get to Bellator or the UFC and now I've got to Bellator, and not only am I here, I'm headlining a card, that's the ultimate dream."
It was Tuesday of last week when his ex-manager, who had left the business, sent Salazar a text saying that he would attempt to make the fight a reality.
And despite offers to face Dominique Wooding and others, Gallagher accepted the challenge of the Arizona-based fighter, who trains with Olympic gold medallist and UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo.
"It was 6 AM the following morning," the American explained. "I turned over and saw the name on my phone and I knew, having got that call before, 'this can only mean one thing!'
"So I picked up the phone and he said 'you've got the fight, he wants to fight you' and talk about going from fast asleep to your mind going 100-miles-an-hour."
And Irishman Gallagher, who claims tomorrow night will be his final Irish fight for the next few years, was appreciative of his new opponent answering the call.
Speaking at the launch of coach John Kavanagh's new SBG Ireland gym, the 'Strabanimal' said: "They sent me some guy first, I'm not sure of the name but he was s*** and I said I didn't want him.
"I want to fight someone who I can learn something from, so they sent me on him and I said 'yeah he looks decent' and I chose him.
"His record isn't my problem, all I can control is the shape I show up and the intensity I bring and how I perform, so that's all I'm focused on."
Tickets for Bellator Dublin are on sale now through Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com , as well as the 3Arena box office.
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