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Former UFC star Molly McCann makes surprise move to boxing under Eddie Hearn
Former UFC star ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann has signed with Matchroom Boxing to begin a professional career within the ring.
McCann, who retired from the Octagon earlier this year, has signed with Eddie Hearns’ promotional company.
McCann told DAZN: "As everyone knows, I've boxed before. My weight didn't get added to the Olympic Games and the only other option was MMA. MMA has given me a phenomenal life, one that boxing could never give me, but my love was always in the squared circle.”
She added: "I cannot wait to fight, just show everyone the pedigree of boxing that I've got. People will probably just think I'm going to run in and try to take chins off, which is correct! That is what I'm going to do. But in an educated manner.”
McCann said that she had had multiple offers, but decided to go with Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, saying, ‘better the devil you know’. As an amateur boxer, McCann was an ABA champion but later became a huge name in MMA.
McCann had 22 fights within MMA, but lost four of her last five bouts. After losing in March to Alexia Thainara, McCann announced her retirement. Her time in the UFC saw her amass a record of seven wins and seven losses.
Announcing her retirement at the time, McCann said that her ‘time was done’ and that she hoped she had opened up the sport of MMA to women in the UK.
Hearn said: “Everyone knows the ability as a boxer. Obviously been a massive star in UFC - built her profile globally as well. We’re delighted to start the journey with her. Delighted she’s chosen to sign with Matchroom. She’s going to be fighting all around the world and there’s going to be some massive nights.”
He added: “I’ve had the pleasure of watching her cage side, or whatever you call it in the UFC, in which the atmosphere, the energy, the fanbase of this woman is incredible. Great person, great fighter and now putting the gloves on for real. The boxing journey is about to begin.”
McCann said that her aim was to be a world champion in boxing, something that she said she would achieve in eight fights.
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