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...
Who is Leah McCourt?
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.
Leah McCourt (Image: Getty)
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.
Major achievements?
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.
Leah McCourt beat Judith Ruis in her history-making Bellator Dublin fight back in February (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.
Why should I care?
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 her ascent and put Northern Ireland on the sporting map.
Leah with daughter Isabella
A proud single mother to daughter Isabella, Leah has often spoken of her struggles through adversity to get to where she is now.
Her rise to the top hasn't been all smooth sailing. Leah's MMA pro debut ended in disaster when she was stopped by two-time Olympic judoka Rizlen Zouak at Cage Warriors 85 in Bournemouth.
She wouldn't let that defeat derail her career, however, with her steady ascent since that 2017 loss testimony to her character and dedication.
When she was announced as headliner for Bellator Dublin, Leah said on social media: "I have clawed my way up from the bottom, life has thrown everything at me, but my determination has never wavered, this moment is a testament to my faith, work ethic, my team, my family and never giving up."
Dedicated to the game...
McCourt last fought at Bellator London back in October last year, beating Jessica Borga over three rounds. Three days later she flew to Texas to compete at the IBJJF No Gi World Championships - and she won gold to become world champion.
Up next?
Fans are in for one of Irish MMA's biggest-ever fights as arguably two of the country's top fighters do battle as Sinead Kavanagh and Leah McCourt collide at Bellator Dublin on Friday night.
Veteran Kavanagh is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Cris Cyborg in their world title fight in November as she takes on fellow SBG fighter McCourt - who's in the midst of a six-fight winning streak.
How to watch it?
The prelims from Bellator Dublin start at 6pm on BBC iPlayer and main event on BBC Three from 9pm.
