Belfast MMA star Leah McCourt has hailed Katie Taylor as a "role model" and an inspirational figure ahead of her bout this weekend.
'The Curse' takes on Cat Zingano at Bellator 293 on Friday night in California in what could be a title eliminator fight between McCourt and the number one ranked Featherweight contender.
Like many, McCourt has been blown away by Taylor's ascension to the top of the boxing world. And while she may have spilt allegiances for Taylor's upcoming bout with Chantelle Cameron, McCourt has nothing but praise for the Irish icon.
Read more: Leah McCourt vs Cat Zingano TV and live stream info for Bellator 293
“It’s definitely motivating to see the likes of Katie Taylor," said the Bellator featherweight. "She’s going to be fighting Chantelle Cameron in the 3Arena.
"Chantelle’s one of my friends and Katie’s one of my role models. That’s going to be a special night in Ireland. Just seeing her big fights in Madison Square Garden, what she stands for and who she is, it is definitely very motivating."
Making her professional debut in 2017, McCourt has enjoyed a meteoric rise and is one of the biggest stars, male or female, in Bellator.
The 30-year-old mother of daughter Isabella has been on a red hot run since she first set foot inside an MMA cage and has lost just once since her debut six years ago.
Such a stunning run of form has catapulted McCourt to superstardom and today, she stands on the cusp of fighting for a World Championship.
Standing in her way is the veteran Zingano, a former UFC title challenger and legend of the sport.
While the wait for the fight to be made official has been frustrating, McCourt is now itching to get back into the cage and test herself against one of the best.
"I’d heard about this fight back in November and I was told it could be for the title so that was extremely motivating," said the 30-year-old.
"I can remember I was in LA actually and Bellator mentioned this fight to me and it was probably the most exciting fight I could have in the division, so I was buzzing about that.
"But then the dates kept getting moved and the venues were changed and I don’t even know why or what was going on, but I was definitely relieved to finally get the date and the fight confirmed."
The current Bellator Featherweight Champion is Cris Cyborg, a former UFC Champion who has in the past been open to taking on Katie Taylor in a boxing bout.
Cyborg however, hasn't fought since last April and her contract status remains shrouded in mystery.
Regardless of who the champion is, McCourt wants to get her hands on the gold, with her aim being to fight for the World title in Belfast before the year is out.
First she must get through Zingano, an energetic wrestler with a big engine. McCourt is prepared for the task at hand and has been working with Team GB wrestlers to take her grappling game to another level.
She hopes all this will help her get the win, and she has a very specific vision of how the fight on Saturday night will end.
"I think I'll finish her in the second round with strikes."
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