Paddy Pimblett recently opened up about an emotional backstage moment with his longtime teammate and close friend, Molly McCann, following her defeat at UFC London. The moment left Pimblett in tears as McCann shared her decision to retire from mixed martial arts after a career full of highs and lows. This heartfelt interaction highlighted the deep bond between the two fighters, who have supported each other through their respective careers, both before and after making their UFC debuts.
The emotional scene unfolded after McCann’s defeat in the octagon, a loss that would mark the end of her fighting career. Pimblett, who was cageside watching his friend’s fight, was visibly upset by the result. However, the real tears came when McCann invited him into her changing room following the bout. In a private moment away from the public eye, McCann gave a speech that would leave Pimblett moved beyond words.
As the two sat together, McCann spoke candidly about her decision to retire, reflecting on the impact that Pimblett and their team had on her career. “The last seven or eight years you have changed my life,” she said to Pimblett. “Even yourself Pad, your career’s propelled mine to different astro levels.” McCann’s words were full of gratitude and admiration for the support she received from her team, especially from Pimblett, who had been there for her since their early days in Cage Warriors. The two fighters had both won gold in Cage Warriors before making the leap to the UFC, and their journey together had cemented their bond both inside and outside the cage.
McCann’s speech was not just a reflection on her career but also a tribute to the people who had shaped her as a fighter and as a person. “I’m really proud of the human that I am now because yous have raised me as the men in my life that I never had,” she continued. “You’ve given me skills and experiences that people can only dream of.” These heartfelt words resonated with Pimblett, who has been one of McCann’s most significant supporters throughout her journey.
The decision to retire, McCann explained, wasn’t an easy one, but it came down to the physical and mental toll that training had taken on her. “I don’t know if it’s my age or what,” she said, revealing that the intense training camps had become increasingly difficult to endure, especially when they no longer resulted in victories. “The camps are too hard on me to not get the wins,” McCann admitted. “So I’m sorry it’s disappointing you or the team.” The raw honesty in her voice highlighted the personal struggle she was facing, and it was clear that the decision was not made lightly.
The emotional conversation between the two fighters was punctuated by a heartfelt hug, with McCann telling Pimblett, “It’s just a shame we won’t get to fight together again, lad.” This statement, coupled with the visible emotions on both of their faces, further underscored the depth of their friendship and their shared experiences in the sport.
McCann’s retirement announcement came in the immediate aftermath of her defeat, and she later took to Instagram to share a message with her fans. In her post, McCann expressed her gratitude for the journey she had experienced and the people who helped her along the way. Despite previously ruling out retirement, McCann appeared content with her career and the legacy she had built in women’s mixed martial arts.
“I’ll do the official retirement post in a few days,” McCann wrote, acknowledging the role of her team in her success. “But I’d be no one without the help of these men right here, took me to the moon and back, carried me through the highest highs and the lowest lows.” McCann’s coach, Paul Rimmer, and teammates Adam Ventre and Ellis Hampson were instrumental in her development as a fighter, and she made sure to pay tribute to them in her message.
In the post, McCann also expressed her love for her hometown, Liverpool, and the people who supported her throughout her career. “NEXT GENERATION LIVERPOOL THANK YOU! MY CITY MY PEOPLE MY HEART, I OWE IT ALL TO THIS PLACE XX,” she wrote, reflecting on the deep connection she has with her roots and the city that helped shape her as a person and fighter.
Molly McCann’s decision to retire marks the end of an era in women’s mixed martial arts, as she was one of the most prominent figures in the sport over the past few years. Her journey from Cage Warriors to the UFC, along with her undeniable charisma and fighting spirit, earned her a dedicated following of fans. While her UFC career may have come to an end, McCann’s impact on the sport and her legacy as one of the pioneers of women’s MMA will not be forgotten. As for Paddy Pimblett, he remains a constant presence in her life, supporting her through thick and thin, just as they have done for each other since their early days in the sport.
