While her final fights inside the UFC Octagon didn't go her way, Molly McCann has been reflecting positively on her journey in mixed martial arts following the conclusion of her career.
McCann called time on her stint as an active fighter inside The O2 in London this past weekend, where she returned to action in front of her home fans.
Things didn't go to plan for "Meatball," who was quickly taken down and submitted in the first round by debuting Brazilian Alexia Thainara. In the aftermath, the Liverpudlian took to the mic for an emotional retirement announcement.
During a backstage interview with TNT Sports, a tearful McCann expanded on her decision and looked back on how far she's come.
This is the best of the best in the world, and it doesn’t matter what I’ve done in my past and where I’ve took this sport," Molly McCann said. "You don’t live off your past and your past performances, you live off your current ones. I’m not good enough right now, and that is the top and the bottom of it.
I get to go and party after this and celebrate a f*cking great career, and I just get to be really thankful for everything that I’ve managed to do," McCann continued. "You’ve got Olympic athletes who do boxing who haven’t done what I’ve managed to do and I’m just a kid who worked in Subway. I can really be proud of who I am and what I’ve done, I really can. Didn’t touch the world title here but got one in Cage Warriors though; still a world champion.
McCann will now open a new chapter in her life. While it remains to be seen what lies ahead for the former flyweight and strawweight contender, she has teased a potential transition into coaching.