This Saturday, March 22, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 255, all eyes will be on the intriguing matchup between Molly McCann and Alexia Thainara at The O2 in London. McCann, a fan favorite known for her aggressive style, comes into this fight with a much-needed victory on her mind, as she has lost three of her last four bouts. Meanwhile, Thainara steps in on short notice, replacing Istela Nunes, and carries the momentum of a nine-fight winning streak, making this clash one of the evening's most anticipated bouts.
Molly McCann (14-7), nicknamed 'Meatball,' has become a staple of the UK UFC scene since joining in 2018. However, her recent performances have raised questions about her trajectory in the sport. Following her decision loss to Bruna Brasil at UFC 304 last July, in which she was outworked and taken down several times, McCann is under pressure to turn her fortunes around. Despite a track record filled with excitement and post-fight bonuses, including one of the most spectacular knockouts in women's MMA, McCann knows that another loss could jeopardize her standing in the promotion.
On the other hand, Alexia Thainara (11-1) is making her UFC debut under challenging circumstances. The Brazilian grappling expert, who has an undeniable talent for submissions, racked up her last victory in September 2024 on Dana White’s Contender Series, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that could give McCann trouble. Although stepping into the cage with only ten days’ notice can be daunting, Thainara is eager to prove herself on this prestigious stage. With a record of most victories coming by submission, she will likely try to leverage her grappling advantage against McCann’s striking prowess.
Betting odds currently favor Thainara at -196, with McCann sitting as a +158 underdog. Analysts believe Thainara’s recent performance and fresh momentum give her a slight edge, even as she faces the experience of a veteran fighter like McCann. Notable analyst predictions suggest that Thainara might finish the fight via submission in the second round given her grappling strength and McCann's vulnerability in that area. Many fans are eager to see how McCann, an established name, will respond to the unyielding challenge posed by the newcomer.
The tale of the tape reveals some key statistics that could influence the fight. Both women are 5’4” with Thainara possessing a notable reach advantage of five inches. While McCann averages 5.39 significant strikes landed per minute with a striking defense rated at 62%, her past shows some weaknesses against grapplers, having been submitted three times in her career. Conversely, Thainara’s striking defense stands at a formidable 71%, and she has shown a keen ability to control the fight on the ground, averaging three takedowns every 15 minutes, with a perfect takedown accuracy in her UFC fight thus far.
McCann's best performances have come when she employs relentless pressure, pushing opponents and staying in striking range. However, her effectiveness against grapplers like Thainara remains a critical concern. The matchup serves as a test not only for her skills but also for her determination to remain a significant contender in the women’s strawweight division.
This fight represents a critical juncture for both fighters. For McCann, it is about restoring her reputation and proving that she can still compete. For Thainara, it’s a golden chance to snag a victory against a recognizable name, establishing her own status among the division's elite and showcasing her skills on a prominent platform.
As the evening approaches, fans can expect a hard-fought battle characterized by contrasting styles: the seasoned striking of McCann against the grappling of Thainara. Whichever way it swings, each fighter stands at a crossroads, where victory could pave the way for title contention or critical future fights in their careers.
For those eager to witness the action, McCann and Thainara are slated to make their walk to the cage at approximately 5:15 PM ET, and the bout promises to be a highlight of UFC Fight Night 255. With the stakes high, can McCann seize the moment, or will Thainara capitalize on her opportunity to make a meaningful mark in the strawweight division?
