Alexia Thainara made a memorable debut at UFC London, stepping in as a late replacement and ultimately marking the final fight of Molly McCann’s career.
Thainara, representing Brazil, quickly took the fight to the ground, securing an early takedown. She then transitioned to McCann’s back and applied a rear-naked choke, forcing McCann to tap out late in the first round. As the fight concluded, Thainara celebrated her victory, while McCann removed her gloves, signaling her retirement from professional fighting.
Addressing the London crowd, McCann expressed her gratitude, shouting, “UFC, Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell], Mick [Maynard], I love you all! I gave you my heart and soul.”
She continued, acknowledging her performance wasn`t sufficient, stating, “It’s not good enough. The UFC deserves more. I deserve more. You all deserve more. Thank you and good night, UFC.”
If this indeed marks the end of her career, McCann retires with a 14-8 overall record, including a 7-7 stint in the UFC. Her teammate and close friend, Paddy Pimblett, was visibly emotional in the audience as McCann made her announcement.
Thainara, on the other hand, celebrates a strong start to her UFC journey. She effectively took McCann down early in the first round, although McCann, fighting in her home country, initially defended with elbows from the bottom position.
McCann`s defense proved temporary. Thainara managed to break through her guard, move to side control, and eventually take her back again. From there, she attempted a rear-naked choke, which McCann initially resisted.
However, Thainara adjusted her technique, re-secured her arm under McCann`s chin, and tightened the choke. This time, McCann was forced to tap out. Thainara begins her UFC career with a victory, while McCann concludes hers.
“This is Alexia delivery,” Thainara proclaimed after her win, adding praise for the UFC matchmakers: “The UFC has the best matchmakers. I came, I saw, I delivered.”
