Former UFC competitor joins boxing ranks, secures agreement with Eddie Hearn
Molly McCann, affectionately known as "Meatball Molly," is a British former mixed martial artist who has announced her transition to professional boxing. Born in Liverpool on May 4, 1990, McCann has made a name for herself in the world of mixed martial arts, competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and holding titles in other promotions, such as the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship Women's Flyweight Championship.
Before her MMA career, McCann had a strong amateur boxing background, starting her training at around age 12. Now, after retiring from MMA in March 2025, she has signed with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing with the aim of actively building her boxing brand and competing at the bantamweight division.
McCann's MMA record stands at 14-8, with four losses by submission. However, her all-action style in the Octagon has earned her a dedicated fanbase, and it's expected that this following will follow her into professional boxing, especially if she achieves success. In 2022, McCann recorded two memorable KO finishes in MMA, showcasing her striking prowess.
In recent news, Holly Holm, a former UFC star and world champion in both sports, has signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions. Meanwhile, McCann, at 35, has chosen to return to boxing after reaching her ceiling as a mixed martial artist. The sense of urgency in her boxing career is due to her rekindling it at a later stage.
The No. 1 fighter in the bantamweight division, Dina Thorslund, has pulled out of her title defense due to pregnancy. This opens up an opportunity for McCann, who is expected to move quickly toward a title shot in her division, thanks to her pedigree and the power of Matchroom. Cherneka Johnson is stepping up to replace Thorslund in the title fight.
McCann's potential success in boxing could make her one of the breakout stars in women's boxing in 2026. Despite never having competed professionally in boxing, she aims to make a significant impact, taking advantage of her existing fan base and amateur boxing pedigree to potentially pursue a world title fight. She views this transition as a realization of her lifelong dream to compete in the sport she loves.
Interestingly, McCann's expected opponent, Holm, is likely too big to clash with her in boxing, though that fight would be a draw. Regardless, McCann is eager to start her boxing journey and make her mark in the ring. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom are likely to put McCann in a position to shine. If Molly McCann makes her boxing debut soon, she could challenge for a world title by the end of 2026, or even earlier in 2027.
Sports enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Molly McCann's boxing debut under Matchroom Boxing, as she transitions from a successful MMA career. McCann's all-action style and striking prowess, honed from her amateur boxing roots, make her a promising contender in sports.
