UFC
Why has Molly McCann retired? ‘Meatball Molly’ calls it quits after latest defeat
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Get to know Oliver Taliku betterPublished23 Mar 2025
Molly McCann was once one of the most feared female fighters in the UFC but after a fourth loss in her last five fights, ‘Meatball Molly’ announced that she will now retire from MMA.
Why has Molly McCann retired?
Although Molly McCann established herself as one of the most successful female British fighters of all time during her 10-year career in the UFC, recent results have been disappointing to say the least.
On Saturday, night ‘Meatball Molly’ fell to yet another shock loss and her defeat to Alexia Thainara proved to be one too many for the 34-year-old, who surprised the world by announcing she won’t fight again.
After her loss at #UFCLondon, Molly McCann called it a career.
Thank you for everything @MeatballMolly! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/huwHKAR6YE
— UFC (@ufc) March 22, 2025
Thainara wasted no time taking down her opponent and with just under 30 seconds left in the first round, the Brazilian challenger had McCann in a rear naked choke which ended the fight and in turn, the Brit’s career.
McCann was emotional after her defeat and she was clearly bitterly disappointed losing to Thainara who was fighting on just one week’s notice at UFC 254.
“I’m 35 next month,” she said after the fight. “After that leg break, this camp has taken everything to get back. And I’ve given everything and been so honest with this game and this game has been not more than honest with me back. If I can’t beat someone who’s brand new to the sport then I don’t deserve to wear UFC gloves.”
The loss was McCann’s second in a row and fourth defeat in five, with just one of those bouts advancing past the first round. Despite four losses to end her career, the British star can be proud of a 14-8 record after an entertaining 10 years in the Octagon.
Molly McCann retirement post
While she plans an official announcement in the near future, McCann took to Instagram to thank her team from Next Generation MMA.
“I’ll do the official retirement post in a few days, but I’d be no one without the help of these men right here,” McCann wrote, with a picture of her team and Paddy Pimblett attached.
“Took me to the moon and back, carried me through the highest highs and the lowest lows. NEXT GENERATION LIVERPOOL THANK YOU! MY CITY MY PEOPLE MY HEART, I OWE IT ALL TO THIS PLACE XX.”
Fellow Liverpudlian and close friend Paddy Pimblett was distraught with the news post-fight and he was pictured crying outside the Octagon as McCann announced her news.
Pimblett himself is making his return to the ring next month, with a bout against Michael Chandler booked for UFC 314 on April, 13th.