Leah McCourt is looking forward to the biggest test of her professional career in February when she steps into the cage against experienced German fighter Judith Ruis.
McCourt (3-1) enjoyed a sparkling 2019, recording two big wins in Dublin, including a first-round submission of Kerry Hughes in September.
But the Saintfield native is facing a tough test in Ruis (6-4), who comes into the fight on a two win streak, and is looking forward to getting down to business over the next two months ahead of the February 22nd bout in the 3 Arena.
"It's going to be a good test," McCourt told the Irish Mirror.
"I'm going meet with Owen (Roddy) this week and see what we're going to focus on, but no matter what training camp I'm in I train as if I'm fighting the best in the world and it's going to be no different for this fight."
McCourt signed a six fight deal with the promotion shortly after the Hughes win, and was lost for words summarising the past twelve months.
"It's really hard to sum it up," McCourt said.
"Compared to where I was a year ago and the difference between fighting on a different show getting paid pennies to coming to Bellator and being in the position I'm in now.
"It was a massive opportunity to be there and the life experiences that I've had over the last year has changed my life. It's been amazing."
The former world IMMAF champion did hint during yesterday's press conference that she'd like to see Bellator come to Belfast in the near future, but acknowledged the promotion's investment in the sport on this island.
McCourt added: "Bellator coming to Europe has created so many opportunities for us to make a living from a fully professional job being athletes and getting paid what we should be getting paid.
"[Irish] MMA is so excited and having Bellator come over and have big shows against big opponents, even the fact that they have the money to bring over big opponents for us it sets it apart from any other promotion in the world.
"They're really investing in the Irish market."
Tickets for Bellator Dublin are on sale now through Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com , as well as the 3Arena box office.
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