From MMA Warrior to Boxing Ring: Molly McCann Returns to Her First Sporting Love
Molly McCann, a fan favourite and one of Britain’s most recognisable female fighters, has officially swapped the MMA cage for the boxing ring. The 35-year-old, who announced her retirement from Mixed Martial Arts in March, has signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, marking a return to the sport that first inspired her. McCann says her decision is now about personal ambition rather than external expectations, having already achieved her goal of making her city and family proud.
Before making her name in MMA, McCann was an amateur boxing champion. She moved to MMA when her weight category was excluded from the Olympic Games, opting to pursue a competitive career where opportunities existed. Her 10-year stint in MMA delivered 14 wins from 22 fights, cementing her status as one of the most successful women in British MMA history. Yet, she admits the demands of training for four Olympic-level disciplines took a heavy toll, especially when facing larger training partners in a male-dominated environment.
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Proud of her Liverpool roots, McCann believes she helped break down barriers for women in combat sports, encouraging more girls to step into gyms. With over half a million social media followers, she has built a reputation for sharing the unfiltered reality of elite sport—both the physical grind and the personal challenges. For McCann, transparency is as important as performance.
First Fight in September Marks New Chapter
McCann’s professional boxing debut is set for 13 September in Belfast. She has made no secret of her ambitions, aiming to claim a world title within eight fights. The bout will be her first step toward that goal, and she hopes to bring the same aggressive style that won her a loyal fan base in MMA.
True to her roots, McCann expects strong backing from the Liverpool crowd, noting that Scouse fighters have a reputation for bringing both energy and numbers to events. Alongside fellow fighter Paddy Pimblett, she has often spoken about the unique atmosphere their supporters create. For McCann, this is not just a return to boxing—it is a chance to chase unfinished business while carrying the pride of her city into a new arena.
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