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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Belfast MMA star's YouTube video turns into huge viral hit

A Belfast MMA fighter's highlights reel from one of her fights is the number one viewed video on the Bellator YouTube channel.

Leah McCourt's brilliant win over Janay Harding has been watched a staggering 46m times in the space of just four months.

It is the most watched video on the official Bellator MMA YouTube page, some 14m ahead of the next most popular.

Read more: Leah McCourt shares 'creepy' messages she gets from fans

It is massive recognition for McCourt, and for women's MMA.

And it also received the praise of reigning Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, who recently made her pro debut in boxing.

Cybord said on Twitter: "Did you know that the #1 most viewed video on the @BellatorMMA YouTube channel is a Female Featherweight fight? With over 46 million views @leahmccourtmma proves fans love Women’s MMA @SHOsports."

McCourt beat Harding by submission after producing a devastating finish at Bellator 259.

She stopped Harding with a triangle choke two minutes 42 seconds into the second round to notch up her fifth straight win.

McCourt had to show guts and heart after being rocked by some punishing punches and kicks from Harding.

But as she was grounded, McCourt landed an upkick on Harding which forced the Kiwi to the floor, and the Northern Ireland MMA star applied more pressure before earning her submission win.

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