A 14-fight UFC veteran is set to embark on the next chapter of her career.
In March, Molly McCann announced her emotional retirement from the UFC having competed for the promotion since 2018.
McCann’s rise in the sport was closely linked to Paddy Pimblett’s, with the two Brits coming through the regional scene together as teammates.
‘Meatball’ was a polarizing figure amongst the fan base but she was clearly a member of the roster that the UFC was high on due to her personality and fighting style.
Where one door closed, another opened as McCann announced a transition into the boxing world by signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promotion.
Molly McCann books her Matchroom Boxing debut for September 13 in Belfast
Before making her pro MMA debut in 2015, Molly McCann had aspirations of becoming a professional boxer following her amateur career.
‘Meatball’ detailed during a video on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel how boxing was always her “dream” but it didn’t come to fruition because her weight class wasn’t added to the Olympic Games.
While she may be 35 years old, Eddie Hearn clearly has high hopes for McCann, who certainly made an impact and built a fan base during her time in the UFC.
The highlight of her MMA career saw the Brit produce a stunning spinning back elbow knockout against Luana Carolina, sending the O2 Arena in London into pandemonium.
“I think she’s a maniac and I love everything about her,” Dana White said when reflecting on her performance in the post-fight press conference. “She’s fun. She’s fun to watch and she’s fun to listen to.”
While no opponent has been announced as of yet, McCann and Matchroom have now shared details about her upcoming boxing debut..
The former UFC star will step inside the ring on September 13 at the Clearer Twist National Stadium in Belfast on the card headlined by Lewis Crocker’s rematch with Paddy Donovan for the IBF world welterweight title.
Eddie Hearn predicted that a lot of activity for Molly McCann will lead her to a world title fight in less than a year
In the same interview where Molly McCann’s signing to Matchroom Boxing was announced, Eddie Hearn outlined his plans and expectations for the promotion’s new arrival.
Hearn made it clear that the main goal at this time was activity in order to quickly accumulate the ring experience that McCann would need.
However, alongside her amateur experience, he did also state that her time in the UFC where she fought at a high level in front of big crowds would accelerate this process.
Hearn went as far as to say that he believes ‘Meatball’ will be fighting for a world title within 12 months.