In a thrilling encounter at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Britain’s Molly McCann made a victorious debut in the strawweight division, submitting Diana Belbita in the very first round. This victory marked a significant turnaround for McCann, who had considered retirement following defeats in her previous two fights.
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Dominant Performance
At 33, McCann exhibited a dominant performance, finishing the 27 years old Romanian opponent with an armbar just one second before the round ended. Despite her previous success in the flyweight division, consecutive defeats in 2022 and 2023 prompted her coach’s advice to drop down to strawweight. McCann, now in the best shape of her life, celebrated her first submission victory in 20 fights.
The Fight
McCann initiated the fight with a strong start, delivering powerful overhand rights and controlling the early stages with strategic shots. As the round progressed, her confidence soared, showcasing a diverse array of techniques, including a spinning back kick and her trademark spinning back elbow. The turning point occurred in the grappling exchanges, where McCann secured a takedown, moved to full mount, and landed impactful elbows. In the final seconds, she locked in an armbar, sealing the victory in a poetic twist as her past defeats also came through the same move.
Molly McCann’s UFC Journey
McCann’s UFC journey has been a rollercoaster, with a record of 13 wins and 6 losses. Before her encounter with Belbita, her last fight resulted in a submission win against Julija Stoliarenko in July 2023, while the defeat against Erin Blanchfield in November 2022 had raised questions about her future in the sport.
Diana Belbita’s UFC Journey
Diana Belbita, nicknamed “The Warrior Princess,” boasts a record of 15 wins and 7 losses. Prior to facing McCann, Belbita secured a victory against Karolina Kowalkiewicz in October 2023. However, McCann put an end to her winning streak in their recent match.
What’s Next for McCann?
With this impressive victory in the strawweight division, McCann has undoubtedly made a strong statement. The future holds anticipation for her next opponent as she navigates this new chapter in her UFC journey. For now, McCann plans to savor her success, spending quality time with her family in celebration.
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