Molly McCann has confessed she doesn’t believe she’s “good enough” to compete in the UFC anymore, following her decision to retire on Saturday night.
The 34 year old Liverpudlian suffered her fourth loss in five bouts at The O2 Arena in London, against UFC newcomer Alexia Thainara. From the get-go, ‘Meatball’ charged to the centre of the Octagon, aiming to exert immediate pressure, but her Brazilian adversary swiftly took the fight to the ground, and it wasn’t long before she compelled McCann to tap out.
Following her retirement announcement, TNT Sports asked when she first considered retiring. McCann responded: “When I broke my leg last year,” and added: “It took me everything to get back, and it was really hard for my body. I’m no spring chicken, and everything kept breaking in the camp. Things were going wrong.”
She continued: “I just give the best account of myself. Being in there, I felt fine. I was amped. I was pumped, but to be outmanoeuvred in the first round, I’m not good enough to be in there. And that is okay. I’m not here to makeup numbers, I’m here to win. If I’m not winning a fight like that, then I don’t deserve to wear the gloves, in my opinion. This is the best of the best in the world. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done in my past, and where I’ve took this sport, you don’t live off your past performances. I’m not good enough right now, that is the top and the bottom of it.”
An emotional McCann has announced her retirement, looking forward to a new chapter beyond the confines of the octagon. She leaves behind a legacy as a trailblazer in British MMA, despite not capturing a world title within the promotion. Her 2019 victory against Priscila Cachoeira marked a historic moment, as ‘Meatball’ became the first British woman to secure a win in the leading MMA organisation.
McCann’s dear friend Pimblett was visibly devastated by the strawweight icon’s retirement on Saturday night. The prominent lightweight fighter was present at the event and was seen struggling to hold back tears after the bout. In response to her retirement, ‘The Baddy’ shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing: “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 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. Love you Molly McCann and [you] always will [be] me big sis.”