Sometimes, records have an amazing way of repeating themselves. This time, it is Leah McCourt, the Northern Irish mixed martial artist, who is again in the middle of the spotlight.
Leah McCourt: A Headliner Once Again
Earlier this month, Leah McCourt discovered herself in an acquainted scenario. After any other intense schooling session, she received a message that turned her day around. “I was given a textual content saying, ‘You’ve got been made the main occasion.’”
With Fabian Edwards’ rematch against middleweight champion Johnny Eblen postponed, McCourt will now headline Bellator’s Champions Series occasion in London on Saturday. She is about to stand Australian fighter Sara Collins in a featherweight showdown.
This moment is not new for McCourt. In 2020, she became the primary lady to headline a Bellator Europe occasion after James Gallagher’s combat became known as off. Her victory over Judith Ruis’s lower back then became categorized as a “birthday party of ladies.”
A Tribute to Women Who Inspire
McCourt, now 32, is pleased with her accomplishments, but she additionally takes time to well-known the ladies who’ve stimulated her journey. This combat towards Collins on the OVO Arena Wembley holds unique which means for her, as it’s not just about the warring parties within the cage.
“It’s an honor absolutely because it’s a celebration of women,” McCourt said. She’s determined to shine a mild on the ladies who have supported and inspired her. From her sister, who fosters two girls, to her mom, who works in a Belfast shelter, McCourt is surrounded by way of effective ladies.
She doesn’t just see this occasion as her second; she views it as a tribute to all the ladies who are painting tirelessly backstage. “It’s putting us inside the limelight, so shout-out to Bellator for giving us that opportunity to expose what we will do,” she delivered.
Eyeing the Featherweight Title
Leah McCourt has been on a fantastic run since her debut in 2017. She has won eight of her 11 fights, inclusive of her latest win against Sara McMann at Bellator 300. On the same nighttime, Cris Cyborg knocked out Cat Zingano, protecting her featherweight title and putting the degree for a future conflict with McCourt.
However, that anticipated matchup with Cyborg didn’t materialize due to Bellator’s acquisition through the PFL. McCourt was scheduled to fight fellow Irish fighter Sinead Kavanagh in March, but an unfortunate injury related to a damaged rib and torn abdominal muscle compelled her to withdraw.
Now, Cris Cyborg is ready to face Larissa Pacheco, the PFL featherweight title holder, in a champion vs. Champion bout. McCourt, even though, isn’t content material to wait. Instead, she’s taking over the undefeated Collins and putting her No. 1 contender spot on the line. “I do not want to wait to combat any longer,” she said, expressing her determination to live lively within the octagon.
McCourt’s Aspirations: Facing Cris Cyborg
McCourt has her sights set on becoming a global champion. “I changed into because of the fight for the title after beating Sara McMann,” she noted. While she’s eager to stand Cris Cyborg, she is familiar with that the state of affairs is fluid. McCourt has been informed to live ready in case there’s a gap for the name combat in October.
Fighting Cyborg will be the culmination of her career goals. “I’d like to combat Cris Cyborg. She’s excited no longer simply as a competitor but additionally as keen on the game. “It’s a huge combat, and I certainly want that shot at turning into a global champion.”
Sara Collins: A Tough Challenge Ahead
McCourt’s next opponent, Sara Collins, poses a great project. The 34-year-antique Australian is undefeated with a 5-0 expert record. Despite McCourt’s enjoyment, she knows that Collins is a dangerous opponent.
“She’s a hard one,” McCourt admitted. But her confidence and drive are simple. With her passion for the game and her preference to honor the girls who’ve supported her journey. McCourt is prepared to tackle Collins and secure her vicinity as the pinnacle contender for the featherweight title.
Summary: More Than Just a Fight
For Leah McCourt, this upcoming event is more than simply another combat. It’s about celebrating ladies, breaking barriers, and staying proper to her ardor McCourt’s journey from a young fighter to headlining foremost events in Bellator has been not anything quick or inspiring. She’s not simply combating for herself; she’s fighting for the women who have helped her get to in she is nowadays.
The upcoming Bellator event is a chance for her to retain that legacy, win or lose. McCourt’s determination to combat, her appreciation of the ones around her, and her starvation for them make her the most interesting combatant to look at in the sport nowadays.
As McCourt steps into the cage, she consists of together with her the power of the ladies who have inspired her. It without a doubt is a celebration of girls in combat sports activities.
