McCann, 34, was the first British female fighter to win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Over her seven-year tenure with the world’s leading martial arts organization, she compiled a record of 7-7.
‘Meatball’ was submitted in the first round by Alexia Thainara at UFC London this past weekend before confirming her departure from the sport inside the octagon. She said, "This sport has given me everything. This promotion has given me everything, and it deserves that back. I can’t give it any more. I came, I saw, I didn’t conquer and get the belt. My time is done now. The Brits that are left in — it’s your time now, girls. Do more than I could. I knocked on the door and opened it.”
She also revealed that she had been struggling with injuries during a difficult training camp, which impacted her performance. Despite feeling motivated going into the contest, she was quickly outclassed by Thainara, a late replacement for her original opponent, Istela Nunes.
Her retirement comes after four defeats in her last five fights, which, by UFC standards and her own, wasn’t at the required level of quality.
In an honest self-assessment, she said, "UFC and Dana, I started this sport at 24 years of age, and I’ve given you all my heart and soul. Tonight, with that performance on a week’s notice, it’s not good enough. The UFC deserves more. From a little girl from Norris Green fighting in arenas — look at me, look at what I’ve managed to do."
The Legacy of Molly McCann
McCann won the flyweight world championship in the UK-based promotion Cage Warriors, which led to her UFC debut in 2018. Although she never captured a world title with the world’s largest organization, the Liverpudlian earned $200,000 in bonuses. She was awarded Performance of the Night three times and received a Fight of the Night nod against Ji Yeon Kim in 2021.
Having once supported herself by working shifts at her local Subway, it seemed like a pipe dream for the girl from Norris Green to achieve what she did. She created two viral moments with spinning elbow finishes that solidified her place in UFC folklore.
"Don’t take no for an answer," McCann said when asked by the UFC about the advice she would give to young female fighters. "Have that blind faith in yourself. No one’s opinions can deter you from your goal. The only thing that separates you from your goal is how much you're willing to chase it. Thank you for it all."
Tribute from Her Head Coach, Paul Rimmer
Her head coach and longtime friend Paul Rimmer posted a tribute on Instagram, which read:
"On Saturday, we celebrated the incredible career of @meatballmolly. After years of hard work, dedication, and triumphs in the MMA world, she’s officially retiring. Her journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and she’s shown us all what true grit, resilience, and passion look like.
For all the young athletes out there, Molly’s career is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big. She’s proof that with determination, respect for the sport, and never giving up, anything is possible!
Molly has not only been a trailblazer in the cage but also a role model for the next generation. Her journey shows us the importance of believing in ourselves, pushing through challenges, and staying humble in victory and defeat.
To all the future champions out there, let Molly McCann’s story fuel your dreams! Whether it’s in MMA or any other passion you pursue, keep fighting, keep believing, and make your mark just like she did."
An Emotional Tribute from Paddy ‘The Baddy’
A visibly emotional Paddy Pimblett, who was octagon-side in London, has been on this journey with McCann since they were teenagers. Their strong bond led to the rise of their gym, NextGeneration Liverpool, which has grown significantly over the past few years.
Taking to Instagram to post his tribute, ‘The Baddy’ said:
“Heartbreaking night last night watching my big sister retire. Been there with her from the start and will always be there. This may be the end of her fighting career, but it’s far from the end of mine and her friendship. That’s till death do us part… UK MMA women’s legend, first English woman to get a win in the UFC, and has one of the best knockouts in women’s UFC and combat sports history. Her legacy will live on forever. Emotional isn’t even the word for last night, but even when I was crying, the Meatball will never fail to make me laugh when she said, ‘Haven’t done bad for a lesbo who was working in Subway, have I?’ Love you @meatballmolly, and always will, my big sis."
