Molly McCann officially announced her retirement from professional mixed martial arts following a submission loss to Brazil's Alexia Thainara at UFC London on March 22, 2025. Competing in front of a home crowd at the O2 Arena, McCann, also known as "Meatball," sought to bounce back from a challenging defeat, but ultimately fell short in her quest.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric as Thainara made her debut, dancing her way to the Octagon, only to face a determined McCann who has made a name for herself in the UFC since debuting in 2018. Yet, it was Thainara, who took the fight on a short notice of only nine days, who controlled the bout from the start.”
As the first round commenced, Thainara quickly secured a takedown just a minute in, demonstrating her grappling skills. Once on the ground, McCann initially fought valiantly, trying to fend off submissions while delivering elbows from the bottom. However, Thainara soon transitioned to McCann's back and locked in a rear-naked choke.
McCann defended valiantly until only 30 seconds remained in the round when she was forced to tap out, signalling the end of her illustrious career. The official stoppage came at 4:42 of the first round.
Following the fight, emotions ran high. The 34-year-old McCann took off her gloves, symbolizing the end of her fighting days, and shared her thoughts in a poignant post-fight interview. "UFC, Dana, Hunter, Mick, f——— hell, all of you,” McCann began, visibly emotional. “I started this sport at 24 and I’ve given you all my f——— heart and soul. But tonight, with that performance against someone on a week’s notice, it’s not good enough; the UFC deserves more, I deserve more, and you all deserve more."
McCann's retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey that began in her youth, where she trained at Liverpool's Next Generation MMA. With a professional MMA record of 14-8, McCann not only inspired fans with her tenacity within the Octagon but also forged a path as one of the most celebrated female fighters from the UK.
"From this little girl from Norris Green fighting in arenas, thank you so much,” she continued, addressing future generations. "To the little girls at home, look at me, look what I managed to do with just two hands and two elbows. The UFC 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.”
Throughout her career, McCann became known for her entertaining fighting style, earning respect not only for her skills but also for her heart and approachable demeanor outside the cage. She gained significant popularity in 2022, delivering memorable defeats with two remarkable spinning elbow knockouts, both occurring at London venues.
However, her latest fight with Thainara was not just a setback; it highlighted the challenges she faced, including a previous loss to Bruna Brasil in July 2024, and the hardships of an arduous fight preparation and competition.
Thainara's victory was celebrated exuberantly, with her twerking in the Octagon post-fight, a stark contrast to McCann’s emotional retirement announcement. "It’s not just a performance,” McCann stated on reflecting about her career. "It’s about what I brought to the sport, and I’ve been really lucky to have had this incredible journey."
Molly McCann exits the sport having made significant contributions to women's MMA in the UK. Her friendship with fellow fighter Paddy Pimblett has also been a highlight of her career, with Pimblett seen visibly emotional in the cageside as she made her announcement, reminding the audience of their long-standing camaraderie.
While McCann may have closed the chapter on her fighting career, her legacy will live on. Known not just as a fighter, but as a trailblazer for women in MMA, McCann set a precedent in the sport that will continue to inspire many. As fans and peers pay tribute to Molly McCann, they celebrate her journey and look forward to her future endeavors beyond the Octagon.
