Leah McCourt patiently awaited the rearrangement of PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, only to be met with further disappointment as she now faces an extended wait before returning to the cage. McCourt recently confirmed on social media that she will not be participating in the Bellator Champions Series event on March 22 in Belfast, Northern Ireland due to multiple injuries. The news was initially reported by Severe MMA. McCourt was scheduled to have a rematch against Sinead Kavanagh in the featherweight division.
Expressing her devastation, McCourt explained that a sparring accident resulted in a broken rib and torn oblique, rendering her unable to obtain medical clearance for the fight or physically compete in Belfast. She may require surgery and will have a clearer understanding of her situation in the coming weeks. The severity of her injuries has caused muscle detachment from the bone, resulting in excruciating pain. McCourt had specifically requested this fight after not receiving a title shot, making the situation even more disappointing for her.
To make matters worse, McCourt is from Belfast, and it is a rare occurrence for premier MMA organizations to hold live events in her hometown. Fighting in Belfast was a significant career aspiration for McCourt. Despite the heartbreak and pain of the circumstances, she trusts that these setbacks are part of a greater plan. McCourt has previously fought through torn ligaments and blown-out knees, but this is the first time an injury has been too severe to allow her to compete. The potential danger of the broken rib puncturing an organ necessitates complete rest as advised by her surgeon. McCourt is determined to return to the octagon as soon as possible.
After competing in various cities around the world, McCourt’s ultimate goal was to have the opportunity to fight in Belfast. Therefore, the current situation is particularly devastating for her.
Leah McCourt, 31, was on track for a title shot against Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg. The two fighters even had a face-off in the cage during Bellator 299 in September. However, following the merger, McCourt’s matchup was changed to Sinead Kavanagh, as the PFL-Bellator regime and Cyborg’s team continue to work towards aligning their plans.
According to the Source mmajunkie.usatoday.com