UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Nothing about Leah McCourt’s return to the cage Friday night at Bellator 259 came easy.
McCourt had major shoulder surgery and came down with COVID-19 while she was away, among other ailments. If that wasn’t enough, she had a tough weight cut and missed the featherweight mark by three pounds for her fight with Janay Harding.
“I fought until the very end to make that weight,” McCourt said at her Bellator 259 post-fight news conference.
McCourt was in position to explain herself after rallying for a comeback submission win over Harding at Mohegan Sun Arena. A competitive Round 1 gave way to a second round in which Harding started to take over while McCourt looked gassed.
The tide completely changed, however, because of an upkick. After McCourt (5-1 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) ended on bottom as a result of a scramble, she managed to push Harding (6-5 MMA, 3-3 BMMA) back to her feet. But when Harding came back to throw a standing strike, McCourt’s foot landed flush on Harding’s face. It clearly stunned her and moments later, McCourt managed to lock in a triangle choke for the finish.
“I just had to dig deep and believe in myself, …” McCourt said. “I just threw the upkick, and it landed clean and kind of wobbled her. When she dropped on me, I was able to get the finish. I believe I got the killer instinct. I know how to finish. Sometimes you just have to withstand deep waters.”
The result was a relief for McCourt, who expressed disappointment in missing weight but also gratitude for still being able to fight after a rocky road to the Irishwoman’s first fight in the U.S.
“All this time, I usually have a bit longer to kind of address my weight situation, but I had to fight. I have a daughter to look after,” McCourt said. “I haven’t been paid in 15 months, and I just thought, you know, I’m gonna do it. I am heartbroken I missed weight. It’s something that really will stick with me, and I know it will never happen again.”
For Leah McCourt, a much-needed win at Bellator 259 after ‘tough 15 months’ away