Molly McCann has called it a career after suffering a shocking loss at UFC London on Saturday night.
‘Meatball’ has good memories of fighting in London. In March 2022, she delivered one of the best spinning-elbow knockouts in the history of MMA to blow the roof off the O2 Arena.
Molly McCann couldn’t replicate that performance against late-replacement opponent, Alexia Thainara, who literally danced her way to the cage before twerking after scoring a massive win in her debut in MMA’s premier promotion.
UFC London will be the final time fight fans will get to watch McCann compete inside the Octagon.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
A tentative opening round burst into life when Alexia Thainara secured a takedown after a minute.
McCann hammered away with elbows from the bottom and hunted for submission off of her back.
The Liverpudlian fully committed to an armbar attempt, but it backfired and she ended up mounted.
Thainara transitioned to the back and locked in a rear-naked choke submission, which McCann initially defended.
Ultimately, McCann was forced to tap when Thainara readjusted her grip with 30 seconds left on the clock.
McCann took off her gloves to hint at a retirement before her latest loss was officially confirmed.
During a post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, McCann confirmed she’s done with MMA.
Paddy Pimblett, her long-time teammate, was seen in tears as she made the massive announcement.
“UFC, Dana, Hunter, Mick, f——— hell, all of you,” McCann began.
“I started this sport at 24 I walked into that gym with these three boys and I’ve give you all my f——— heart and soul but tonight with that performance with someone on a week’s notice, it’s not good enough, I’m not coming in here just for a payday off these, the UFC deserves more, I deserve more and you all deserve more.
“So from this little girl from Norris Green, who’s got to fight in these amazing arenas thank you so much, to the little girls at home look at me, look what I managed to do, just two hands and two elbows and I had a good go.
“The UFC thank you so much and Dana, if you ever need an ambassador to fly around Europe, I’m good on the ale, I can chat anyone up to sign a new deal, so thank you and goodnight UFC.”
