Leah McCourt confident that Cris Cyborg fight will happen despite injury setback

19 March 2024

As Bellator 302 gears up for an action-packed night in Belfast this Friday, anticipation is high, especially with the headline bout between Karl Moore and Corey Anderson for the Light Heavyweight title at the SSE Arena. However, one notable absence from the card is women's MMA sensation Leah McCourt, who had been set to face Sinead Kavanagh in a highly anticipated rematch until a broken rib and torn oblique sidelined her plans back in February.

Speaking about her injury and recovery, McCourt expressed her disappointment at missing out on the opportunity to fight in front of her home fans. "I was extremely disappointed, more so that Bellator is coming to Belfast. It was a big moment to be able to fight in Belfast," she shared to the Irish Mirror. Despite the setback, McCourt remains determined and focused on her rehabilitation, with hopes of returning to the cage when she has fully recovered.

McCourt's dedication to her recovery is matched by her commitment to supporting her friend Ryan Curtis, who suffered life-altering injuries during a training session in January. McCourt's efforts to raise funds for Curtis's treatment through a GoFundMe campaign have garnered overwhelming support, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the MMA community and the resilience of its members.

Looking ahead to future opportunities, McCourt remains optimistic about her prospects, including a potential matchup against Cris Cyborg. "Yeah, it will happen. It’s about timing and logistics," she affirmed. Despite the challenges posed by scheduling and organizational changes following PFL's acquisition of Bellator, McCourt remains steadfast in her pursuit of high-profile fights and championship titles.

As Bellator 302 marks the promotion's return to Belfast after several years, McCourt expressed gratitude to Bellator executives Mike Kogan and Scott Coker for providing Irish fighters with unprecedented opportunities. With a stacked lineup of fights featuring top talent from around the world, McCourt is eager to see her former teammate Karl Moore shine in the spotlight as he headlines the event.

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The event also marks the continuation of the Bellator Champions Series, following the successful PFL vs. Bellator Champions event in Saudi Arabia earlier in the year. As Bellator continues to expand its global presence and showcase top-tier talent, McCourt remains a prominent figure in the promotion, poised for future success and eager to make her mark on the MMA world.