Kavanagh prevails in thrilling Bellator battle
INCHICORE’S Sinead Kavanagh proved she is the queen of Irish MMA as she defeated Belfast’s Leah ‘The Curse’ McCourt in the co-main event at Bellator 275 in the 3 Arena last night, reports Mark Casserly.
This was arguably the biggest ever fight between two Irish women with Kavanagh winning on a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) in what proved to be one of the event’s standout bouts.
Kavanagh, who was cheered on at ringside by club mate Conor McGregor, put the disappointment of her last encounter (a featherweight title defeat to Cris Justino) fully behind her.
The 36-year-old looked like she may end the fight in Round One when she had McCourt in a Kimura lock for almost three minutes. But, to her credit, the Belfast woman never gave up and put in a valiant effort over all three rounds.
McCourt had her moments, particularly in the second round, with Kavangh appearing to suffer a an injury to her leg which severely limited her mobility and offered McCourt a route back into the contest which she did her best to capitalise on.
Kavanagh finished the fight stronger however, hitting McCourt with several fists and elbows in the closing 30 seconds.
The raucous crowd then cheered on both fighters at the end of a gruelling battle as they appreciated what an enthralling fight they had just witnessed.
After Kavanagh’s hand was raised to declare her the winner, legandary trainer John Kavanagh assisted the limping victor from the octagon before McGregor stepped in to help her to the backstage area.
In her post-fight interview Kavanagh said: “I couldn’t even stand. I thought I was finished. I thought I was done, but I gritted my teeth and I got the win.”
The Dubliner, who said she won a ‘dogfight’, will now set her sights on the world title. After her victory, Bellator announced that Kavanagh would get a second shot at featherweight champion ‘Cyborg’ Justino, following her defeat to the Brazilian last November.
Kavanagh’s fight record now stands at eight wins and five defeats.
