Molly McCann refused to consider retirement days before UFC London loss

Molly McCann’s shocking retirement at UFC London took many by surprise, but an interview from just days before her fight has now resurfaced, showing that the British star had no intention of calling it quits.
McCann, who suffered a disappointing first-round submission loss to Alexia Thainara on Saturday, left her gloves in the Octagon and emotionally announced her retirement. However, speaking to Sky Sports in the lead-up to the event, the 34-year-old firmly dismissed any suggestion that her best days were behind her.
“(2022) is not (the peak), so no (I wouldn’t be satisfied), my best days are still to come, I promise you,” McCann said before the fight.

Following her loss to Bruna Brasil at UFC 304 last July, Molly McCann found herself in a difficult spot. A serious leg injury forced her to take considerable time away from the sport, and at one point, she even questioned whether it was time to step away for good. However, she refused to let that loss define her and pushed herself through recovery to make a comeback at UFC London.
Despite a last-minute opponent change—when Istela Nunes withdrew and UFC newcomer Alexia Thainara stepped in—McCann remained confident leading up to fight night. In the resurfaced Sky Sports interview, she insisted that she wasn’t done chasing greatness.

“The finishes—I might never get them finishes again because you’re lucky to see men get them finishes… But for the way I overcome any obstacle put in front of me and for what my performance is coming on Saturday, I just can’t wait for you to see what’s to come,” she said.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and after suffering another tough loss, McCann made the difficult decision to retire.

McCann may not have ended her career the way she envisioned, but her impact on UK women’s MMA is undeniable. The first British woman signed to the UFC, she paved the way for others and became a fan favorite along the way.
“Head high, I’m happy, I had a great f—— career, to everyone sending their love, I’ll get back to you soon, but what a ride, thank you very much,” she said on her Instagram story.
McCann’s longtime teammate Paddy Pimblett watched on with tears in his eyes as she left her gloves in the Octagon. Reflecting on her career, she gave an emotional farewell message inside the cage:
“UFC and Dana [White], I started this sport at 24 and I have given you all my heart and soul. Tonight, with that performance on a week's notice, it's not good enough—the UFC deserves more,” McCann admitted.
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“From a little girl from Norris Green fighting in arenas—look at me, look at what I've managed to do.”
McCann retires with a 14-8 record, having spent a decade competing in MMA and making history along the way.