Featherweight Leah McCourt Ready To Bounce Back From Last Fight

• Leah McCourt ready to bounce back from Cat Zingano loss against Sara McMann.

Featherweight Leah McCourt is ready to bounce back from the bitter disappointment of her last fight when she takes on American Sara McMann at Bellator 300 in San Diego on Saturday.

The Northern Irish fighter narrowly lost on points to Cat Zingano in March.

But McCourt, 31, remains confident of eventually securing a title shot.

“The fight was disappointing with the result. A lot of people felt I had won and it was definitely a kick in the teeth,” she said.

“But I am excited to be back in America and to get the job done. Which is win this fight and then fight for the world title.”

The defeat by Zingano was the third of McCourt’s career and her second in three fights, having lost to Ireland’s Sinead Kavanagh last year.

Bellator 300 has three title fights leading the card, with women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg defending her title against Zingano.

Had McCourt beaten Zingano, it would have been her facing long-time champion Cyborg this weekend.

Instead, McCourt will fight 42-year-old McMann in San Diego and believes it will be a pulsating contest against a fighter she holds in high regard.

“She is an Olympian and a very experienced MMA fighter. She is going to have that competitive in-the-cage experience and I think she is probably going to try and wrestle as I am a lot taller and longer,” said McCourt.

“I think wherever it goes I can have the advantage striking and when it comes to the ground as well, I think it will make for an exciting fight as both our styles are explosive and I will be looking for the finish.”

McCourt has been encouraged by her performance in the bout against Zingano and a successful training camp alongside the likes of UFC star Molly McCann.

After pushing title contender Zingano all the way in her last fight, McCourt says he has to believe in herself more.

“Every time you step into the ring it is another big test and a big opportunity to change your life and I will have that chance on Saturday,” she said.

“I’ve got some confidence from that fight and I will try to believe in myself a bit more. I just need to do what I need to do rather than worrying what my opponent is doing.

“It is always a tough camp. It is hard dedicating so much time away from Isabella [McCourt’s daughter] and being in the gym day in day out training, but it was definitely one of the best camps I have had.”

The contest against McMann is McCourt’s second fight in a row in America, having conducted most of her pro career in the UK and Ireland.

Despite being a long way from home, McCourt is unfazed having spent time in her amateur career in the States.

“I have a lot of experience in America, I fought amateur here so I am used to travelling and training,” she said.

“It is hard with all the flights, trying to cut weight and keeping your calories low, but it is nice to have a change of scenery as I am used to fighting in Dublin or London.”

A win over McMann could fire McCourt back into title contention and she was keen to highlight the significance of coming away with victory.

“There is a lot at stake and a lot to gain from the win,” she said.

“I don’t want to make predictions but I will be dominant wherever the fight goes.”