Molly McCann burst into tears during an emotional backstage interview at UFC London.
‘Meatball’ fell to a fourth defeat in five fights against UFC debutant Alexia Thainara at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.
Post-fight, Paddy Pimblett was seen crying while watching his long-time teammate retire from MMA.
Soon after, Molly McCann opened up about her decision during a strikingly honest backstage interview.
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Molly McCann breaks down in tears after UFC London retirement
McCann refused to publicly consider retirement in the build-up to her fight at UFC London.
However, the 34-year-old has since admitted walking away from MMA was on her mind during camp.
McCann broke down in tears several times while explaining why she’s called time on her career.
“When I broke my leg last year,” McCann said after being asked when she first began thinking about retirement during a post-fight interview with TNT Sports.
“It took me everything to get back, and it was really hard for my body. I’m no spring chicken, and everything kept breaking in the camp. Things were going wrong.
“I just give the best account of myself. Being in there, I felt fine. I was amped. I was pumped, but to be outmaneuvered in the first round, I’m not good enough to be in there. And that is okay.
“I’m not here to make up numbers, I’m here to win. If I’m not winning a fight like that, then I don’t deserve to wear the gloves, in my opinion.
“This is the best of the best in the world. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done in my past, and where I’ve took this sport, you don’t live off your past performances. I’m not good enough right now, that is the top and the bottom of it.”
Molly McCann’s UFC legacy
McCann never got close to a UFC title, but she’ll be remembered forever by UK fight fans.
The Liverpudlian will always be the first British woman to record a win inside the UFC Octagon.
McCann paraded with the UFC belt after a stunning spinning elbow knockout at UFC London three years ago.
What is arguably the greatest KO in women’s MMA history won’t be outdone anytime soon.
So, whatever she does next, McCann’s legacy in combat sports is already set in stone.