Leah McCourt’s Heartbreak: Injury Forces Withdrawal from Bellator Champions Series

Belfast native Leah McCourt, eagerly awaiting her cage return at Bellator’s Champions Series event on March 22, faces a devastating setback, withdrawing due to multiple injuries.

McCourt was set to face Sinead Kavanagh in a highly anticipated featherweight rematch, a bout that held significant personal and professional importance for the Belfast native.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, McCourt revealed the unfortunate circumstances that led to her withdrawal. 

A sparring accident left her with a broken rib and a torn oblique, injuries severe enough to prevent her from obtaining medical clearance for the upcoming event. The pain, she described, is excruciating, with the muscle ripped from the bone, possibly requiring surgery.

Expressing her devastation, McCourt emphasized the significance of this particular fight, especially after missing out on a title shot. She had been aligned for a championship bout against Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg before the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator led to a reshuffling of matchups.

Leah McCourt’s Determination Amid Setbacks

In a cruel twist of fate, Leah McCourt’s dream of fighting in her hometown has been put on hold. The rare opportunity to showcase her skills in Belfast, coupled with the pain of the injuries and the potential delay in her career, has left McCourt grappling with disappointment and heartbreak.

Despite the setbacks, McCourt maintains her resilience, trusting that these challenges are part of a greater plan. 

The fighter, who has overcome various injuries in the past, is committed to making a swift return, acknowledging the necessity of adhering to the surgeon’s recommendations for total rest.

Although the journey toward healing and rehabilitation might prove to be extensive, McCourt steadfastly maintains her resolute commitment to making a comeback in the fighting arena. She refuses to waver in her resolve despite the potential challenges that lie ahead on the path to recovery.

As she navigates the physical and emotional toll of this setback, the Belfast fighter holds onto the belief that brighter days lie ahead, keeping her eyes on the ultimate goal of stepping back into the cage and fulfilling her dream of competing in her hometown.