Leah McCourt admits unexpected Bellator Dublin headliner ‘a bit surreal,’ but she’s composed

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Leah McCourt admits unexpected Bellator Dublin headliner ‘a bit surreal,’ but she’s composed

Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt has been handed an unexpected promotional push at Bellator Europe 7, but she’s taking it all in stride and embracing the limelight.

Speaking with MMA Junkie on media day in Dublin, McCourt (3-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) said her promotion to the main event following the postponement of James Gallagher’s bout with Cal Ellenor came as something of a surprise, but she is enjoying every moment ahead of fight night at 3Arena.

“It’s added a lot more excitement and entertainment, and me and my daughter are definitely excited for me to be in this position,” McCourt said. “It’s probably come three years earlier than expected, but whenever I see a challenge and an opportunity I will go and grab it with both hands, like I’ve done my whole life and whole career. So I’m gonna embrace it and try to enjoy this week and take in as much as I can.”

McCourt already has shown herself to be an ambassador for Bellator’s women’s divisions and has dealt with the increased media obligations with apparent ease as she has carried herself like a fighter with years of experience at the top level. The former IMMAF amateur world champion explained that it comes from the knowledge that she deserves her opportunity.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I’m qualified to be here,” McCourt said. “I’ve proved myself as an amateur and as a professional, and I’m proud to represent women’s MMA and Irish MMA.

“Obviously it feels good, but it’s a bit surreal. I’m just focusing on my fight. My head is focusing on my fight on Saturday night and putting on a performance. It’s the same fight, the same night, the same arena. I just want to go out and show my skill level and make my family proud.”

McCourt takes on Germany’s Judith Ruis, looking to complete a remarkable hat trick of wins at the famous Irish arena. Her two Bellator fights to date both came at 3Arena, and both finished via first-round submission. “The Curse” said she’d love to make it three straight on Saturday night, but also said that she is ready to take Ruis (6-4 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) into the trenches if necessary.

“Definitely, the goal is to get the finish. That never changes,” she said. “Obviously the quicker you get in and get out, the better. Sometimes things get dragged into deep waters, though, so I’m ready to go one minute or 15 minutes and give her hell and put on a show.”

The fight will play out in front of a raucous Dublin crowd that is now familiar to McCourt after her previous two Bellator appearances. But she explained that the fact that she’ll be the main event, walking out last and receiving the acclaim of a wild Irish crowd won’t affect her until after the fight is over.

Leah McCourt outside 3Arena in Dublin. (Photo courtesy of Bellator)

“From the warm-up to the walkout, I’m in the zone,” she said. “I don’t really focus too much on the crowd and the arena. I just focus on the job at hand. I’ve done it twice before in Dublin. I’ve done it in Vegas (in the IMMAF World Championships) and all over the world. What makes it nice is when I win, the celebration after that is when I can really soak in the atmosphere and soak in the fans. I appreciate how passionate they are, and I’m fighting in the best arena in the world in the best show in the world.”

If she does get the win she’s hoping for, McCourt’s winning moment inside the cage will be made that little bit more special, thanks to her daughter Isabella, who has been by her side throughout fight week in Dublin.

“She’s going to be there backstage on fight night and is going to come out when I win and come into the cage,” she said. “It’s going to be a special night.”

Leah McCourt admits unexpected Bellator Dublin headliner 'a bit surreal,' but she's composed