Leah McCourt Hopes Experience Will Carry Her at Bellator London

September 12, 2024

4 months

Leah McCourt isn’t a grizzled veteran of the cage. Since making her professional debut in 2017, McCourt has only fought 11 times professionally. There have been a few setbacks, such as an injury that forced her out of a fight in Belfast, but McCourt has always been willing to take on challenges when they are presented to her.

Much will be expected of McCourt this weekend at Bellator London. When looking at MMAfighting latest news, McCourt and Sara Collins weren’t going to be counted on to headline this Bellator Champions Series 5 event. However, the originally scheduled main event between Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards was pushed back to a later date.

McCourt and Collins slid up to the top spot. Collins hasn’t had nearly as much experience entering this women’s featherweight fight. Collins has only fought five times so far but has yet to experience a loss.

This fight likely won’t have much separation between the two fighters. McCourt has lost two of her last four fights but has fought strong competition. During McCourt’s last fight, she picked up the best win of her career, a first-round TKO victory over former UFC title challenger Sara McMann.

McCourt will find a way to win another fight, but it won’t be easy. Collins is a well-rounded fighter and has strong potential. This fight could go either way and will likely go to a decision. Slight lean to the more veteran fighter in this matchup.

Bets to consider: McCourt -112

Simeon Powell Ready For Next Step

Simeon Powell cruised through the first few years of his MMA career with little resistance. Powell hit his first major roadblock last December when he lost to Jakob Nedoh during a PFL light heavyweight final. It was a rough experience for Powell, who lost via second-round knockout.

Powell, who is 9-1 in his career, will get a good test in how to handle adversity. His opponent, Rafael Xavier, is an experienced fighter who has found success in Oktagon. Oktagon is a promotion that has been quickly rising in reputation on the European scene.

The best MMA news sites show that Xavier’s skill set lends itself to the fight ending early. Powell got clipped during his last fight and is fighting someone who is explosive. Xavier has finished 11 of his 13 career wins and could grab another one here.

Powell will do everything he can to prevent hitting the canvas again, but it may not be enough.

Bets to consider: Under 2.5 rounds, Xavier by KO/TKO/DQ

Captain Lithuania Ready for Step Up in Competition

Laurynas Urbonavicius hasn’t had much luck with being able to make the walk to the cage for his fights. There always seems to be some injury or malady that pops up to bite him. Urbonavicius hasn’t been able to compete professionally since 2022.

That return to the cage came three years after his last fight before that. While Urbonavicius is on an eight-fight winning streak, it’s hard to put too much stalk into that streak, considering his lengthy absence.

Urboanavicius’ opponent, Luke Trainer, has been much more active. He is on a three-fight winning streak, including two submissions in his past three contests. This fight shouldn’t go the distance either.

Bets to consider: Trainer by submission, Under 2.5 rounds

Diakese May Find a Perfect Home

Marc Diakiese may have gotten his call to the UFC too soon. The MMA latest updates show that Diakiese was quickly tested by top contenders. After Diakiese won his debut, he went on a quick three-fight losing streak against fighters the likes of Dan Hooker and Drakkar Klose.

Despite having mixed results in the UFC, many people thought Diakiese would sign with them after he won his last fight. However, Diakiese chose to head to the PFL and will likely compete for $1 million next season in the lightweight tournament.

Diakiese will be testing himself against English fighter Tim Wilde. Wilde took a first-round knockout loss against Manoel Sousa in March. It was a surprising performance for Wilde, who hadn’t lost in five years.

Where Diakiese should have the edge is in the fight. Even during difficult stretches of his career, Diakiese has always demonstrated excellent kickboxing. Diakiese will have a lot to prove in this matchup and should be able to lean on his excellent striking to pick up a victory.

Bets to consider: Diakiese by decision, Over 2.5 rounds

Colgan Hopes to Protect His Zero

Archie Colgan would like to get his name back on the map for a future title shot. During Colgan’s time in mixed martial arts, one thing that he has always been consistent with is winning. What Colgan hasn’t been able to do consistently as he fights tougher opposition is finish fights.

Colgan is 10-0 in his career but has seen his last three fights go the distance. This weekend, Colgan would like to not have to work so hard to get his hand raised. That will be a tall order to deliver on.

Colgan is set to face off with Manoel Sousa, who is 11-0. Sousa isn’t someone who wants to worry about fighting to impress the judges. Sousa prefers to get his opponents out of the cage as early as possible.

Sousa has won 10 of his 11 fights by stoppage. This will be a fascinating matchup between two fighters with a lot to prove. Sousa has proven to be the more dynamic fighter and should be able to grab a victory.

Bets to consider: Sousa by KO/TKO/DQ, Under 2.5 rounds

Here’s a look at the rest of the fights on the card not mentioned above: