Sara Collins scores epic upset, submits Leah McCourt in opening round – Bellator: London Highlights
Sara Collins established herself as the featherweight division’s top contender with a jaw-dropping first-round submission victory over Irish fan favorite Leah McCourt at the Bellator Champions Series: London event on Saturday.
McCourt looked to attack the lead leg of Collins early, but McCourt failed to set up the kicks, allowing Collins to snatch the leg and send McCourt to the mat. Collins declined to engage on the canvas and allowed McCourt back to her feet.
Once both fighters were upright, Collins unleashed a massive right hand that sent McCourt back to the mat face-first. Smelling blood in the water, Collins swarmed and dropped a series of hammer fists that prompted McCourt to give up her back. Seeing her opportunity to finish things, Collins cinched her arm under McCourt’s neck and forced the tap out in the first via a picture-perfect rear-naked choke.
Official Result: Sara Collins def. Leah McCourt via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:25 or Round 1.
With the win over McCourt, Collins moves to a perfect 6-0 in her mixed martial arts career and is now the No. 1 ranked contender in Bellator’s featherweight division, lining her up for a potential title tilt with women’s MMA legend Cris Cyborg.
