Molly McCann RETIRES after being choked out in first spherical at UFC London, with emotional Paddy Pimblett watching on, as ‘Meatball’ bows out with traditional ultimate phrases

Molly McCann has announced her retirement from MMA after her loss at UFC London.

McCann, who is from Liverpool, went out with a fight in her home country as she tapped out to debutant Alexia Thainara at the O2 Arena on Saturday evening.

The Everton supporter, who won over fans due to hear heart-on-the-sleeve nature of her performances and heartwarming friendship with fellow Liverpudlian UFC star Paddy Pimblett, fought a total of 14 times in the promotion.

She won seven of those bouts, the most recent coming in February last year before back-to-back defeats by Bruna Brasil and Thainara.

McCann tapped out with 28 seconds remaining of the first round, with Thainara, 27, twerking in the middle of the octagon seconds later in celebration.

But it was the post-fight antics that were the most significant events of the encounter, with an emotional McCann taking to the microphone as she said: ‘Thank you and good night, UFC’. 

More to follow.