Leah McCourt injury forces her out of Bellator Belfast

Cris Cyborg first faced off with Leah McCourt inside of the cage last October following her first round KO of #1 contender Cat Zingano at Bellator 300 in San Diego, and while the two fighters campaigned for the matchup following news of the PFL and Bellator MMA merger, fans were disappointed to see Leah McCourt matched up against Sinead Kavanaugh in a rematch.

Despite being the #1 contender and riding off an impressive win over former UFC title Contender and Olympic Silver Medalist Sara McMann, Leah McCourt was pressured into a position to face another matchup outside of her world title fight.  McCourt who broke the news on social media announced that she would not be able to get medically cleared to fight and competed on the upcoming Bellator 302 event taking place in her hometown of Belfast Ireland.

Cyborg who has been vocal about not wanting to face PFL Champion Larissa Pacheco following any long layoff from MMA competition could still be a return fight for McCourt who is hopeful to be healthy and able to compete by the June/July date.  No replacement for Sinead Kavanagh has been announced, However Cyborg took to social media to announce her willingness to step up on short notice for a replacement.

Hearing @sineadkavanagh0 needs an opponent for @BellatorMMA Belfast.

I’m ready to fight.

I’ve been ready @PFLMMA #FreeCyborg pic.twitter.com/6JzU5sVX4p

— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) February 21, 2024