Molly McCann lays down gloves and confirms retirement after Alexia Thainara defeat - 'Thank you and goodnight, UFC'
Updated 22/03/2025 at 23:29 GMT
Molly McCann made her comeback at UFC Fight Night London on Saturday after breaking her leg last year, but she lost in the first round against late-replacement Alexia Thainara by submission. Speaking in the cage after her defeat, she said goodbye to the sport, having already said that last year's setback had almost seen her retire. Watch and stream UFC Fight Night London on TNT Sports.
Highlights: McCann bows out after brutal loss to debutant Thainara
Video credit: TNT Sports
British UFC veteran strawweight Molly McCann laid down her gloves and announced her retirement after a first-round submission defeat to Alexia Thainara on Saturday night in London.
McCann was making her comeback after a broken leg against Bruna Brasil last year, and admitted she had considered retirement after that disappointment.
The 34-year-old started well enough at UFC Fight Night London but could not resist her opponent when Thainara placed her in a chokehold with around half a minute left of the round.
McCann duly tapped out, and the Brazilian claimed an impressive 10th straight victory after taking the fight at late notice.
Speaking on TNT Sports after her loss, McCann reflected on 10 years in the cage and conceded she had not performed as she had hoped.
She said: "UFC, Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell, chief business officer], Mick. I started this sport at 24, I walked into that gym with these three boys, and I've given you all my heart and soul. And tonight, with that performance against someone with a week's notice, it's not good enough."
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McCann made it clear that she would not stay in the sport just for money, and waved farewell to the UFC as she laid down her gloves in the Octagon.
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‘Good night UFC’ – An emotional McCann calls it a day after shock defeat
Video credit: TNT Sports
She continued: "I'm not coming here just for a payday. The UFC deserves more, I deserve more, and you all deserve more, and so from this little girl who got to fight in these arenas, thank you so much.
"The little girls at home, look at me, look at what I managed to do. Just two hands and two elbows.
"Thank you and good night, UFC."
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