Molly McCann, an English mixed martial artist, has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of MMA. With an impressive career and numerous accomplishments, McCann has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Competing in the women’s flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), McCann has shown her prowess in the octagon. Standing at 5 ft 4 in and weighing 126 lbs, she brings an intensity and determination that has led to her success.
Since she began her MMA journey in 2015, McCann has consistently proven herself as a force to be reckoned with. She achieved notable victories and claimed the title of former Cage Warriors Flyweight Champion. McCann’s dedication and hard work have propelled her to the top of her game.
Early Career and Cage Warriors Championship
In the early years of her MMA career, Molly McCann fought most of her fights in Liverpool, gaining recognition and building a solid reputation in the local MMA scene. One of her notable achievements during this period was winning the vacant Shock N’ Awe Flyweight Championship and successfully defending it once. This victory showcased McCann’s talent and determination, setting the stage for her future success.
However, it was on the Cage Warriors stage where Molly McCann truly made a name for herself. In 2018, she competed in the promotion’s flyweight division and emerged victorious, winning the vacant Cage Warriors Fighting Championship Women’s Flyweight Championship. McCann faced tough competition, including the experienced Bryony Tyrell, whom she defeated to claim the title. Her impressive performances in Cage Warriors caught the attention of the UFC, leading to her signing with the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.
Being crowned a champion in Cage Warriors not only showcased McCann’s skills but also demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level. The Cage Warriors promotion is known for producing top-tier talent that often transitions to the UFC. McCann’s success in this organization proved that she was ready to take on the best in the world and cemented her status as a formidable flyweight fighter.
The Journey to the Flyweight Championship
Before securing the Cage Warriors Flyweight Championship, McCann faced a series of tough opponents and displayed her fighting prowess along the way. Her journey was filled with hard-fought battles, highlighting her resilience and determination to succeed. McCann’s unwavering spirit and constant drive to improve allowed her to overcome challenges and pave the way for her future in the sport.
From her early fights in Liverpool to conquering the Cage Warriors promotion, Molly McCann’s early career was instrumental in shaping her as a fighter. The experiences gained during this period provided her with the foundation needed to thrive in the demanding world of professional mixed martial arts.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Debut and Notable Victories
Molly McCann made her UFC debut on May 27, 2018, at UFC Fight Night. She faced Gillian Robertson in a highly anticipated bout. Although McCann put up a valiant effort, she ultimately lost the fight in the second round via a rear-naked choke. Despite the setback, McCann refused to let this defeat define her career.
In her next fight on March 15, 2019, at UFC Fight Night, McCann showcased her determination and resilience. She went head-to-head against Priscila Cachoeira and emerged victorious, winning the fight via unanimous decision. McCann’s performance demonstrated her remarkable striking ability and relentless fighting spirit.
Ariane Lipski was the next opponent to face Molly McCann inside the Octagon. On June 22, 2019, McCann faced Lipski at UFC Fight Night and once again proved her mettle. In a thrilling three-round battle, McCann exhibited her well-rounded skill set and secured another victory by unanimous decision. Her impressive performance solidified her position as a rising star in the flyweight division.
Molly McCann’s notable UFC victories:
- Win against Priscila Cachoeira via unanimous decision on March 15, 2019, at UFC Fight Night.
- Win against Ariane Lipski via unanimous decision on June 22, 2019, at UFC Fight Night.
Recent Performances and Awards
Molly McCann’s recent performances in the UFC have showcased her determination and skill inside the cage. While she has experienced some setbacks, McCann has also celebrated notable victories and earned recognition for her exciting fights.
On October 18, 2019, McCann secured a unanimous decision victory against Diana Belbiţă at UFC on ESPN 6. This win demonstrated her ability to strategize and execute her game plan effectively.
In July 2020, McCann faced Taila Santos in a highly anticipated bout. Despite her best efforts, McCann was unable to secure the victory on this occasion and lost via unanimous decision. She faced another tough challenge against Lara Procópio on February 6, 2021, which resulted in another unanimous decision loss.
However, McCann showed her resilience in her most recent fight against Ji Yeon Kim on September 4, 2021. The match was a thrilling and closely contested battle, with both fighters pushing the limits. McCann’s performance in this fight earned her the Fight of the Night bonus, highlighting her ability to consistently deliver exciting and entertaining bouts.
Key Fights:
- Molly McCann vs Diana Belbiţă
- Molly McCann vs Taila Santos
- Molly McCann vs Lara Procópio –
- Molly McCann vs Ji Yeon Kim – UFC Fight Night (September 4, 2021)
In her most recent outing on March 19, 2022, Molly McCann showcased her striking prowess by delivering a spectacular knockout victory against Luana Carolina in the third round. Her performance earned her the Performance of the Night award, highlighting her ability to seize opportunities and finish fights in impressive fashion.
Future Fights and Personal Life
Molly McCann has an exciting future ahead in both mixed martial arts and professional grappling. On November 12, 2022, she is scheduled to face Erin Blanchfield at UFC 281, a highly anticipated matchup that fans are eagerly awaiting. McCann will showcase her skills and determination as she steps into the octagon once again.
Not only is McCann preparing for her upcoming UFC fight, but she is also set to make her professional grappling debut on November 4, 2023. She will take on Julia Scardone at Polaris 26, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to compete in different combat sports.
Outside of her fighting career, Molly McCann has been open about her personal struggles. She has courageously shared her journey of self-acceptance, including coming to terms with her sexuality. McCann is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to raise awareness and promote equality.
