Who is Leah McCourt, the County Down MMA star taking on the world?

Leah McCourt returns to action on Friday night as part of a massive Bellator 275 show in Dublin.

The Saintfield fighter takes on Sinead Kavanagh in a huge domestic showdown at the 3 Arena.

When it comes to athletes making their mark in sport, McCourt can be confidently billed as a game changer.

The 29-year-old continues to break down barriers in the world of mixed martial arts.

Known as 'The Curse' inside the octagon, McCourt has captured the hearts and minds of sports fans across the world.

She made history back in 2020, and has set her sights on world domination in the ultra-tough world of MMA.

Here is some background on Leah...

Leah McCourt is a rising MMA star who hails from Saintfield in Co Down.

She is a former IMMAF World and European Amateur champion and International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation gold medallist.

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Leah - who is a black belt in Judo - has competed right across the world in various disciplines, and is now forging her name on the professional MMA scene.

Away from the octagon, she has shared her MMA expertise through self defence classes for women.

McCourt became IMMAF amateur world champion in Las Vegas back in 2016, adding to the other titles she claimed during the early stages of her career.

But the standout moment so far would have to be headlining that Bellator Dublin show at the 3Arena two years ago.

(Image: Getty)

Leah created a piece of history that night by becoming the first female to headline an event for Bellator Europe.

She went on to beat Judith Ruis via unanimous decision, sending a packed 3Arena into raptures.

Leah McCourt is an inspirational woman who is making her mark in the unforgiving world of MMA.

She is a history-maker, a game-changer who is set to continue