Prior to 2019, Bellator had only travelled to the Republic of Ireland on two occasions.
The passionate Irish fight fans have inspired Bellator to focus on Ireland as a regular destination moving forward, however, and the organisation has officially announced its second event on these shores this calendar year.
Midway through a successful card on Saturday night at Dublin's 3Arena, it was confirmed that one of the biggest mixed martial arts promotions in the world would be returning in September.
Rising prospect Kiefer Crosbie, who maintained his unbeaten professional record with a first-round rear naked choke victory over Daniel Olejniczak at Bellator 217, let the cat out of the bag by making clear his intention to travel to the United States in the summer before a September clash at home.
But Bellator soon confirmed the news, giving fans plenty of time to make plans for an autumn date.
Having recently signed 16 Irish fighters to deals, Bellator's faith in talent from the Emerald Isle was justified by Saturday night's results as the Irish enjoyed tremendous success against opposition from elsewhere.
Understandably, no fights were confirmed for September's return because it's a long way off yet but we can expect Bellator to stack the card with even more Irish talent.
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And away from the homegrown fighters, former Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers has made it known that he wants to compete in Dublin or, as he calls it, "the Vegas of Europe."
