Former UFC competitor Molly McCann has announced her transition to professional boxing, signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promotions. McCann retired from mixed martial arts in March following a loss to Alexia Seinara at UFC London, marking her fourth defeat in five fights. The 35-year-old, who has been a popular figure in the UK MMA scene and created memorable moments inside the octagon, is now shifting her focus to boxing and is expected to compete in the bantamweight division, according to Hearn.
In an interview with Dozen, McCann expressed how boxing has always been a dream for her. She revealed that she initially pursued boxing before her weight class was excluded from the Olympic Games, which led her to MMA instead—a sport that has given her an incredible life experience. Now, she is eager to showcase her boxing skills and prove her pedigree, even if it means adopting a fearless, aggressive fighting style.
McCann highlighted the importance of women’s boxing in shaping her path and noted that offers came from many places, but she chose to go with Eddie Hearn, saying, "The devil you know is better." Hearn expressed strong confidence in McCann’s boxing potential based on her extensive MMA background, stating that she has an outstanding amateur boxing foundation. He also pointed out that while many UFC fighters try to switch to boxing due to their established brand, very few possess elite-level skills in the sport. Hearn emphasized the importance of activity and building McCann’s boxing career steadily, marking this as a unique opportunity to work with a fighter who already has a significant fanbase before stepping into the ring.
Fan Take: Molly McCann’s move to professional boxing is a thrilling development for fight fans, as it adds an exciting crossover element between MMA and boxing. Her transition could inspire more fighters to explore new avenues and elevate women’s combat sports, creating fresh interest and rivalries in the boxing world.
