From world-class fighter to entrepreneur, broadcaster, and devoted mum, Leah McCourt has never been afraid to embrace a new challenge.
In this exclusive conversation with FEMEST, she reflects on the lessons behind her career, life beyond the cage, and the purpose driving her next chapter.
Before we dive into your journey, we’d love to know more about you. Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Leah McCourt, a professional mixed martial artist, broadcaster, entrepreneur and mum from Northern Ireland. I’m a black belt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. For over a decade I’ve competed at the highest level of MMA, becoming a world title contender while balancing motherhood and building a life outside the cage.
More recently, I’ve founded my own skincare brand, IzzyRose Skin, and taken on the role of Director of Strategic Engagement & Innovation at N3XUS, where I’m helping build partnerships across innovation, sustainability and technology while championing opportunities for women in business and sport.
Everything I do is driven by the same mindset that’s carried me through my sporting career: work hard, stay curious, keep learning and never be afraid to back yourself.
What first made you believe that mixed martial arts was the path you wanted to follow?
I never planned to become a professional fighter. I started martial arts because I loved challenging myself. The more I trained, the more I realised I had a natural ability and an even bigger work ethic.
I loved that there were no shortcuts. You couldn’t fake the work. Every session, every setback and every win was earned. That appealed to me. Once I realised I could compete with some of the best athletes in the world, I knew I wanted to see how far I could take it.
You’ve achieved so many milestones in your career. Was there one moment when you felt, “I’ve really made it”?
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever really had that feeling. Every time I achieved one goal, another one appeared. Becoming a world title contender was an incredible moment, but I still felt there was more to do. Looking back now, maybe “making it” wasn’t about a single fight or result. It was about building a career that opened doors into broadcasting, business and opportunities I never imagined. That’s something I’m really proud of.
Success often comes with setbacks. Has there been a challenge that completely changed the way you see yourself or your career?
I’ve had many, many personal and professional setbacks. It’s been a very, very difficult journey at times, and I don’t think people always see that side of elite sport.
Injuries have taught me patience more than anything. As athletes, we often tie our identity to performance, so when that’s taken away you have to ask yourself who you are outside of your sport. I’ve had moments where I’ve questioned everything, but I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about getting punched in a fight. It’s about rebuilding when life forces you to stop, adapting when your plans change and continuing to move forward even when things feel impossible.
Looking back now, those setbacks have probably shaped me more than my victories ever did. They’ve made me stronger, more grateful and reminded me that I’m capable of far more than just competing.
You recently stepped away from competing because of injury and personal loss. How has this chapter changed your outlook on life and what’s next?
I’m taking time away from competing to focus on my health, build my businesses and spend more time with my daughter, Isabella. She’s at such a crucial age and being her mum will always be my number one priority.
For so many years my entire life revolved around preparing for the next fight, but this chapter has reminded me that life is much bigger than sport. It’s given me the opportunity to build businesses that I’m genuinely passionate about, create new opportunities and be more present for the people who matter most. Fighting will always be part of who I am, but it no longer defines me. I’m excited about this next chapter and everything I’m building outside the cage.
You’re now building businesses alongside your sporting career. What inspired you to take that step, and what have you enjoyed most about becoming an entrepreneur?
Sport doesn’t last forever, so I’ve always believed athletes need to think beyond competition. I’ve always loved creating things, solving problems and building relationships, so entrepreneurship felt like a natural progression.
What I’ve enjoyed most is that the same qualities that make you successful in elite sport, discipline, resilience and consistency, are exactly what you need in business. Building something from nothing is incredibly rewarding.
Your skincare brand was created with a clear purpose. What gap were you hoping to fill, and what does the brand mean to you personally?
IzzyRose Skin is deeply personal. I’ve suffered with eczema, autoimmune skin issues and allergies for most of my life. I’ve spent years trying products that promised everything but delivered very little. I wanted to create skincare that focused on quality ingredients instead of unnecessary fillers and trends.
Every product has been formulated from my own experience and named after my daughter, Isabella Rose. It’s not just a business to me. It’s something I genuinely believe can help people regain confidence in their skin and prove that skincare doesn’t have to be full of unnecessary ingredients to be effective.
You’ve also taken on a leadership role at N3XUS. What excites you most about working in innovation, technology, and sustainability?
What excites me most is being part of a company that’s trying to create meaningful, long-term impact rather than just talking about it. N3XUS is bringing together innovation, technology and sustainability to solve real-world challenges, and I find that incredibly motivating.
One thing that really stood out to me is the company’s genuine commitment to opening doors for women. Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to have people who believed in me, so I know how much one opportunity can change someone’s life. N3XUS shares that mindset. They’re passionate about creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate and succeed in industries where they’ve traditionally been underrepresented.
They’re also committed to supporting women’s sport, particularly women’s football, because investing in female athletes shouldn’t be the exception, it should be the norm. As someone who’s spent my career pushing for greater recognition and opportunities for women in sport, that mission really resonates with me.
Innovation isn’t just about technology. It’s about changing the way we think, creating opportunities and leaving things better than we found them. That’s what excites me most about being part of N3XUS.
You’re a strong advocate for women and girls, especially through your work with Women’s Aid. Why is it so important for you to use your voice beyond sport?
I’ve always believed that having a platform comes with responsibility. If people are willing to listen to me because of what I’ve achieved in sport, then I want to use that platform to speak about issues that matter.
Violence against women and girls is something that affects far too many families, and staying silent isn’t an option. If sharing my experiences or supporting organisations like Women’s Aid helps even one person feel heard or seek support, then it’s worth it.
You became a mum at a young age. How has motherhood shaped the way you approach your career, your ambitions, and your life?
My daughter has always been my biggest motivation. Becoming a mum young forced me to grow up quickly and gave me a reason bigger than myself to keep pushing forward.
Every decision I’ve made has been about creating opportunities for her and showing her what’s possible through hard work. I hope she grows up believing that women don’t have to choose between being ambitious, being successful and being a great mum. You really can be all three.
When you’re not working or training, what does a perfect day look like for you, and what keeps you feeling grounded?
Honestly, I’m happiest when life is simple. Spending quality time with Isabella, my niece, riding horses, being outdoors or having a good coffee with friends. I also love learning. Whether it’s reading about business, AI, health or technology, I’m always trying to understand something new. That curiosity keeps me grounded because it reminds me there’s always more to learn.
Finally, what advice would you give to women who are afraid to take the first step towards something they truly believe in?
Don’t wait until you feel ready because you probably never will. Confidence doesn’t come before action. It comes because of it. Every successful person you admire started before they had all the answers. Trust yourself enough to begin, be willing to fail, learn quickly and keep moving forward.
You only get one life. I’d rather look back knowing I was brave enough to try than spend it wondering, “What if?”
