Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Strawweight Molly McCann retired at UFC London yesterday (Sat., March 22, 2025) after her disappointing first-round submission loss to UFC newcomer Alexia Thainara, which went down inside the O2 Arena in London, England (watch highlights).
One of McCann’s closest friends and training partners, Paddy Pimblett, attended the UFC Fight Night event and was visibly emotional, tearing up during McCann’s retirement speech.
Today (Sunday, March 23, 2025), “The Baddy” shared his reaction to his friend’s retirement on Instagram.
“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. 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.
“Her legacy will live on forever. Emotional isn’t even the word for last night, but even when I was crying, the Meatball will never fail to make me laugh when she said, ‘Haven’t done bad for a lesbo who was working in Subway, have I?’ Love u @meatballmolly and always will, me big sis.”
While it’s bittersweet for the U.K. mixed martial arts (MMA) fanbase to no longer see Pimblett and McCann compete together—an electric pairing that always brought unique energy—it’s a near certainty they’ll be spotted together in the stands, which is always a treat.
Pimblett returns to the octagon next month at UFC 314 against Michael Chandler, where he’s currently the betting favorite.
For complete UFC London results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
