UFC London witnessed Alexia Thainara`s successful debut, stepping in as a late replacement and securing a victory that concluded Molly McCann`s professional fighting journey.
Thainara, representing Brazil, quickly established dominance by taking McCann down early in the first round. She transitioned to McCann`s back and skillfully applied a rear-naked choke, forcing McCann to tap out towards the end of the round. Following her win, Thainara celebrated, while McCann removed her gloves and declared her retirement from mixed martial arts.
Addressing the London crowd, McCann expressed her gratitude, saying, “UFC, Dana White, Hunter Campbell, Mick Maynard, I love you all deeply. I gave you my entire heart and soul.”
She continued, acknowledging her performance, “It wasn`t enough. The UFC deserves better, I deserve better, and you fans deserve better. Thank you, and good night, UFC.”
If this marks the definitive end of McCann`s career, she retires with a record of 14 wins and 8 losses, including a 7-7 record within the UFC. Her teammate and friend, Paddy Pimblett, was visibly moved in the audience during her announcement.
Thainara`s UFC career began impressively as she took control early in the fight. Despite McCann`s efforts to defend with elbows from the bottom position, her success was limited.
Thainara eventually advanced, breaking past McCann`s guard to gain side control and then secure back control. She initially attempted a rear-naked choke, which McCann managed to fend off.
However, Thainara quickly adjusted her technique, re-secured her arm under McCann’s chin, and this time, the choke was inescapable, leading to McCann`s tap out. Thainara begins her UFC journey with a win, while McCann bids farewell to the sport.
“This is Alexia delivery,” Thainara stated after her victory, praising the UFC matchmakers. “I came, I saw, I delivered.”
