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Leah McCourt is determined to solidify her status as the No. 1 contender for Bellator featherweight title. However, despite her accomplishments, she finds herself in a familiar situation. Ahead of her upcoming bout with Sara Collins at Bellator Champions Series: London, McCourt was reminded that the fight is once again billed as a No. 1 contender showdown. Her reaction? A smirk and a sense of déjà vu.
“Again,” McCourt quipped when asked about the contender status during media day.
Last October, McCourt (8-3) earned her shot at the featherweight title with a dominant first-round TKO victory over Sara McMann at Bellator 300. That same night, Cris Cyborg retained her 145-pound title with a win over Cat Zingano, leading to an in-cage faceoff between McCourt and Cyborg. Yet, despite this “official” announcement, nearly a year has passed, and McCourt is still waiting for her title shot. Meanwhile, Cyborg is preparing for a pay-per-view super fight against PFL champion Larissa Pacheco in October.
“Who knows what I’ll have to do?” McCourt remarked. “I already faced off against her. It was meant to happen so many times, so unless I’m in the cage with her, that’s when I’ll believe it’s happening.”
In the meantime, McCourt is focusing on her current opponent, the undefeated Sara Collins (5-0), who she faces in the Bellator London main event. The fight was elevated to headliner status after the cancellation of Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards. McCourt is excited about the opportunity to headline such a significant event, especially with two female fighters taking center stage.
“It’s obviously an honor because two females are headlining the card at Wembley,” she said.
Breaking down Collins, McCourt believes her experience will give her an advantage. She sees Collins as a tough fighter but feels confident in her ability to handle the pressure of a main event, something Collins has yet to experience.
“A lot of my fights are quite high-paced. I think it’s different to her, especially on fight night when you’re waiting around as the main event. It’s extra pressure that’ll play into my hands,” McCourt explained.
Looking beyond this fight, McCourt’s goal remains a showdown with Cyborg, whom she views as the ultimate opponent in women’s MMA.
“Ideally, if I was fighting for the title, it would be against Cyborg,” McCourt stated. “She’s the best of all time. She’s fought everyone. She’s won all the belts. I just always believe there’s a way to beat anyone you’re up against.”
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