Rivalries: Molly McCann

Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s strawweight Molly McCann emerged from the resilient streets of Liverpool, England, where the strains of hardship reverberate like a fighter’s anthem.

Growing up amid the challenges of the 1990s, McCann’s childhood was an anvil—a forge that shaped the indomitable spirit she now carries into the unforgiving cage. Raised partially by her grandmother, she found sanctuary in combat sports and embraced a world where pain was not a deterrent but an integral rite of passage. Exploring new horizons from the fierce realms of karate, kickboxing and thai boxing to the hallowed ground of the football field, she carved her identity with every bruise and every stride.

However, fate, with its whims, decided to take control. An ankle ligament injury redirected her journey to the raw world of mixed martial arts. The cage, unforgiving and brutal, became her canvas, and with every bout, she painted resilience in bold strokes. In the unfiltered revelations shared on the “High Performance” podcast, “Meatball” narrated a journey marked by echoes of drug paraphernalia involving her mother.

Now, the former Cage Warriors Fighting Championship titleholder carries a formidable presence in the UFC women’s strawweight division. McCann is not merely a product of her triumphs; she is an emblem of the resilience born from the many battles inside the cage. Ahead of her clash against Diana Belbita at UFC Fight Night 235 on Feb. 3, we take a look at some of the rivalries that have shaped her career to this point:

Valerie Domergue

In the early chapters of McCann’s MMA journey, the triumph over Domergue became a pivotal note. Their clash at Shock n Awe 22 was contested for the promotion’s vacant women’s flyweight championship. McCann, determined to make her mark, engaged in a battle that went the distance and scored a split decision victory. The title victory laid the foundation for her future journey.

Macicilia Benkhettache

Winning a championship is one feat, but defending it is a defining moment. McCann faced Benkhettache at Shock n Awe 23, where she retained her women’s flyweight crown via second-round technical knockout. The victory went beyond merely holding onto the title. It served as a testament to the reputation of a knockout artist that fans would soon come to associate with her.

Bryony Tyrell

Cage Warriors 90 witnessed an epoch of progress for McCann. She claimed the vacant Cage Warriors women’s flyweight championship against Tyrell with a second-round technical knockout and embarked on her best career winning streak. At that point, she had achieved great success with six consecutive victories.

Luana Carolina

UFC Fight Night 204 became the canvas for one of McCann’s most iconic moments. Facing Carolina, McCann crafted a symphony of violence, culminating in a spinning back elbow at 1:52 of the third round. This “Performance of the Night” effort was no ordinary victory. It was a masterpiece, an artistic expression of dominance that resonated far beyond the UFC’s hallowed Octagon.

Hannah Goldy

Returning to the fervent British fans at UFC Fight Night 208, McCann faced Goldy and did so on a mission—to light up London with her unique brand of violence. In the first round, McCann showcased her elbow prowess, securing a TKO win via spinning elbow and punches, thereby fulfilling her promise not to let the fans down. The victory sparked a celebration in the heart of London.