Leah McCourt has suffered multiple injuries that have removed her from her rematch with Sinead Kavanagh on March 22.
Top Bellator women’s featherweight contender Leah McCourt has announced that injuries have removed her form her upcoming Bellator 302 fight with Sinead Kavanagh. Per a message on Instagram, McCourt suffered a broken rib and torn oblique in a sparring session that will keep her from making the March 22 date. According to her post, there is no timetable yet for when she may return.
Devastated to have to write this and let you know during a sparring accident I sustained a broken rib & torn oblique. I cannot get medically cleared to fight nor could I physically be able to fight in Belfast. This may require surgery and will know more in the next few weeks. The muscle has been ripped from the bone and the pain is excruciating. When I didn’t get the title fight I asked what fight I wanted it was this so especially disappointed.
I don’t understand the heartbreak and pain of circumstances of everything’s that’s happened so far this year but I trust Gods plan that all these things are part of something big and better ahead. I have fought with torn ligaments, Blown out knees … everything and this the first time an injury has been too serious to be able to fight as I warned the break could puncture an organ if I don’t do as surgeon has requested and have total rest. I will do everything I can to return as soon as possible.
After fighting around the world in so many amazing cities all I ever wanted to do was have the chance to fight in Belfast so this is especially devastating. I know Belfast will still show up and show out for this amazing card and watch Karl Moore become @bellatormmaheavyweight champion. He’s been like a big brother Ive looked up to since the very first day I started training all those years ago and couldn’t be happier for it to be his time to shine.
Thank you to @kingsbridgeprivatehospital Drs, nurses and staff that have looked after me and continue to support me.
Thank you always for the love and support. Leah x
The fight was set to be a rematch of a bout they had in 2022. The two fought in Dublin and was highlighted by a gritty performance for McCourt after suffering a knee injury in the bout. Kavanagh went on to win by decision.
McCourt had previously campaigned to fight Bellator featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino after having earned a title shot in the promotion. But the acquisition of Bellator by the PFL has led to a change in plans for Justino’s next fight if and when it happens under the banner.
The event is scheduled to go on in Belfast on March 22 as the first of the new Bellator Champions International Series, though it has also been referred to as Bellator 302 in promotional materials. The event will be headlined by Bellator Grand Prix finalist Corey Anderson against Irish contender Karl Moore.
