On March 22, 2025, at UFC London, fan-favorite fighter Molly "Meatball" McCann announced her retirement from mixed martial arts following a tough submission loss to Alexia Thainara. Fighting in front of her hometown crowd at London's O2 Arena, McCann was submitted via rear-naked choke with just 30 seconds left in the first round—her fourth loss in her last five fights.
McCann, known affectionately as "Meatball," delivered an emotional retirement speech during her post-fight interview with commentator Michael Bisping. Watching closely from the crowd was fellow Liverpool fighter Paddy Pimblett, her longtime friend and training partner, who appeared visibly emotional after hearing McCann's announcement.
After the event, Pimblett posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, highlighting their close personal bond: "Heartbreaking night last night watching my big sister retire," Pimblett wrote. "Been there with her from the start and will always be there. This may be the end of her fighting career, but it's far from the end of mine and her friendship. That's till death do us part."
Pimblett also spoke of McCann's historic achievements in mixed martial arts, emphasizing her legacy as a UK women's MMA icon: "UK MMA women's legend, first English woman to get a win in the UFC, and has one of the best knockouts in women's UFC and combat sports history."
Adding a lighter note reflecting McCann's personality, Pimblett quoted his friend's humorous remark from her speech, saying it even made him laugh amidst his tears: "'Haven’t done bad for a lesbo who was working in Subway, have I?' Love you Molly and always will, my big sis."
Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann gained international stardom in March 2022 at a UFC Fight Night event in London, where McCann delivered her unforgettable spinning back-elbow knockout victory over Luana Carolina. That same night, Pimblett earned his second straight UFC first-round submission win by choking out Rodrigo Vargas, prompting widespread attention for both Liverpudlian fighters.
Although fans won't see the beloved duo together in the octagon again, both Pimblett and McCann will undoubtedly remain central figures at UFC events. Pimblett now prepares for his next significant challenge as he takes on former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, in Miami, Florida.
