History-maker Leah McCourt will make a quick return to the cage at Bellator London, on 16 May, after it was announced she will face New Zealand-born Janay Harding in a featherweight bout on the main-card.
McCourt became the first woman to headline a Bellator Europe card, as she defeated Germany’s Judith Ruiz in Bellator Dublin, in the 3Arena, last month.
The 27-year old is currently 3-0 in the Bellator with wins over Hatice Özyurt, Kerry Hughes, and Judith Ruis. The bout against Harding will be a significant step forward for McCourt as she boasts a strong portfolio of fights.
Harding is currently 2-2 in the Bellator. Her most recent outing saw her lose to Amanda Bell by TKO in November.
She has competed against division regulars Sinead Kavanagh, Amanda Bell, and Amber Leibrock, picking up a win over Kavanagh in 2018. Like McCourt, Kavanagh trains out of SBG and they will be looking to avenge this defeat.
What’s up London ..the queens coming. My next fight is on the massive Bellator London card at Wembley 16th May.
My fight will be on the main card live on channel 5, contact me for sponsor opps. LETS GET THAT BREAD ? #TrailBlazing #IllbringtheFireStormzyYouBringTheStorm pic.twitter.com/G8kwLojzhy— Leah McCourt (@leahmccourtmma) March 6, 2020
McCourt’s work ethic and passion is unrivalled as she travels to Dublin daily, training three times a day and runs her own martial arts class. She trains out of SBG Charlestown under coach Owen Roddy.
Towards the end of 2019, the Saintfield native signed an exclusive six-fight deal. Her fight against Ruiz in February was the first of six. The deal came after she took her professional record to 3-1 as she defeated England’s Kerry Hughes in Dublin’s 3Arena last September.
McCourt is a 2015 gold medallist at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation European Open Championships, 2016 gold medallist at the IMMAF World Championships as well as a World and European International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation champion at purple belt.
