Bellator has been on a run lately with multiple events taking place in Milan, Italy. On Saturday, the Euro Series will continue with Bellator Euro Series 9: Gallagher vs Ellenor. The event will take place inside the Alllianz Cloud. One of those names hoping to put on a big showing is German bantamweight, Katharina Lehner.
The Path to Bellator
Germany Regional Scene
In September 2014, Lehner began her professional MMA career on the German regional scene. In her second professional bout, she earned a title shot in February 2015 in the Young Blood Night organization where she won the YBN bantamweight championship. Three bouts later she fought at Respect FC 18, winning the RFC bantamweight title. In August 2017, Lehner competed for the first time outside of Germany, fighting in California at Invicta FC 25. She did not disappoint, defeating Alexa Conners by first-round TKO.
Invicta FC and TUF
Prior to Saturday’s bout against Sinead Kavanagh, Lehner has taken on the best talent available. Only 7-2 in her young career, Lehner has already fought under the Invicta FC banner and participated in The Ultimate Fighter season 28. During her Invicta FC tenure, Lehner battled Sarah Kaufman for the bantamweight title. After that bout, Lehner joined the UFC for TUF 28.
While on TUF 28, she was on the team coached by Robert Whittaker. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Being stuck in a house with people you don’t even know and no contact with anyone else is a hard thing,” Lehner told MMASucka. “But I’ve learned a few things for myself which helped me to grow as a human being.”
Back to Invicta and Major Injury
Lehner even took a boxing bout in December 2018 where she was victorious via unanimous decision on an ECB Boxing card in Germany. After that, it was another bout in Invicta in June 2019. While training for a fight in October 2019, Lehner dislocated her elbow and tore ligaments. The surgery was to put her on the shelf for about four months, which placed her return just as the COVID pandemic began in the world.
“I’m super excited and happy about this new step. Unfortunately, I suffered a really bad injury last summer, then COVID-19, so there wasn’t any chance to fight earlier this year,” Lehner said. “I’m more than ready to fight again and show how I improved since I’ve made a few big changes in my life.”
With this new step in her career, Lehner has polished her tools to take the next step in excel in the sport. Luckily for Lehner, the COVID outbreak was not as bad in Germany as in many other places around the world. “Fortunately, COVID-19 wasn’t too bad in Germany and we haven’t been in total lockdown. Our gym was closed for a few weeks, but I’m back on the mats since June.”
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