Leah McCourt wants the fight she already deserves and has earned: a bout with Cris Cyborg. After Cyborg’s last win at Bellator 300 last year, McCourt, who had won earlier that night, stepped into the cage to face the featherweight champion. But with that bout not scheduled, and McCourt returning in early 2024 to prove she’s a top contender,
McCourt returns to action this weekend at Bellator Champions Series London to face unbeaten prospect Sarah Collins, while Cyborg is preparing for a pay-per-view showdown with Larissa Pacheco at the Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants: Brace for Impact” PPV, scheduled for October 19. Speaking to media ahead of Saturday, McCourt reiterated her desire to fight the Brazilian and that she’s ready to prove her case after overcoming serious injuries.
McCourt vs. Collins was promoted to the main event after the middleweight title fight between Jonny Eblen and Fabian Edwards was pulled from Bellator London. McCourt, who was unsure if he would be able to compete due to broken ribs and a torn oblique muscle, wasn’t sure what he had to do to qualify for the bout against Cyborg and said he wouldn’t believe anything until the two stepped into the cage.
“Nobody knows what I have to do. I’ve already faced her. It was destined to happen so many times. I’ll believe the title fight is mine when I’m not in the cage with her.”
Focused on the task at hand, McCourt also believes Cyborg will beat Pacheco, warning that he would never bet against the Bellator champion.
“I always say it’s hard to bet on Cyborg. I think Pacheco has strong handle and is very dangerous, but it’s always hard to bet on Cyborg.”
Coming up against the 5-0 Collins, who has fought veterans such as Pam Sorenson and Sinead Kavanagh during her time with Bellator, McCourt is aware of the level of toughness her next opponent will face.
“She’s very tough and has proven she can compete against fighters with different styles. I don’t think she’s used to the pace and pressure that I bring. A lot of my fights are pretty high-paced, but that’s not how she does it, especially on fight day. I think the pressure will work in my favor.”
Following his win over Collins, McCourt acknowledged he would like to fight for a title if he returns to the Bellator cage.
“Obviously, ideally, if I were to fight for the title, it would be against Cyborg. She’s the strongest and most famous fighter of all time, she’s fought anyone and won every belt. I’ve always believed that there is a way to win no matter who the opponent is, regardless of experience or skill, and I believe that my team and training partners will find a way to win.”
Now fully recovered and ready to put an end to the number one contender talk, future title fights and everything else surrounding her, McCourt is ready to get back in the cage and fight.
“I feel great. I’ve had a great camp and I’ve been working really hard in the gym. The gym is where the hard work is. Going to the gym every day, leaving my daughter and home to go to Liverpool – that’s the sacrifice I make. On fight day I just go to the gym and get the job done. I always give 110 per cent in camp. I always give everything in the cage so I don’t have to worry about not doing my best. I just have to show my best.”
Collins has been demanding a fight with McCourt since joining Bellator Promotions, and McCourt has openly welcomed the challenge.
“It’s good for her. She’s had some good wins. Why not? Why not give her this opportunity? I think she’s a tough opponent and she has great skill. So I’m excited to see how the match goes and I think it’ll be a good match.”
When asked what message he wanted to leave behind now that he’s finally back on the court, recovered from injury and ready to silence his critics, McCourt’s message was simple and to the point.
“I’m going for that belt.”
