Tag: Molly McCann

Emotional Molly McCann opens up on her decision to retire after UFC London loss: ‘I’m not good enough’

Molly McCann was brutally honest with herself when explaining why she decided to retire after UFC Fight Night 255.

[autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag] was brutally honest with herself when explaining why she decided to retire after UFC Fight Night 255.

McCann (14-8 MMA, 7-7 UFC) was submitted in Round 1 by short-notice replacement Alexia Thainara (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in Saturday’s main card at The O2 in London. The loss marked McCann’s fourth in her past five outings.

The 34-year-old surprised everybody when she announced that she’ll be hanging up her gloves, bringing her teammate and good friend Paddy Pimblett to tears. McCann opened up on her decision to walk away.

“When I broke my leg last year, it took me everything to get back, and it was really hard for my body to – I’m not a spring chicken,” McCann told TNT Sports. “I gave my everything and everything kept breaking in the camp. Things were going wrong. I just gave the best account of myself and being in there, I felt fine. I was pumped. But to be outmanuvered in the first round, I’m not good enough to be in there, and that is OK.

“I’m not here to make up the numbers. I’m here to win, and if I’m not winning, and I fight like that, I don’t deserve to wear the gloves, in my opinion. This is the best of the best in the world, and it doesn’t matter what I’ve done in my past and where I’ve taken this sport. You don’t live off your past performances, you live off your current ones, and I’m not good enough right now.”

Alongside Pimblett, McCann was pivotal in helping the U.K. MMA scene grow in the UFC. Her most memorable octagon moments came in back-to-back, Performance of the Night, spinning back elbow knockouts of Luana Carolina and Hannah Goldy in London.

McCann is thankful for the career she’s had and isn’t doubting her decision to retire.

“Didn’t touch the world title here, but got one in Cage Warriors, though: (I was) still a world champion,” McCann said. “I’m just proud.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

Paddy Pimblett emotional over Molly McCann’s retirement at UFC London: ‘Her legacy will live on forever’

UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett reacts to Molly McCann’s retirement from MMA at UFC London.

[autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag] decided to hang up the gloves, and her friend and teammate [autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag] admits that it was a tough moment to process.

McCann announced her retirement Saturday at UFC Fight Night 255 in London after a submission loss to Alexia Thainara on the main card. Her decision signaled the end of a prominent career in British MMA and the end of what once was a power couple of sorts in the sport – McCann and Pimblett.

The two have been nearly inseparable since Pimblett joined the UFC in 2021. Both fighters hail from Liverpool, England, and traing at Next Generation MMA. They’ve shared many cards and memorable moments.

That’s why it was hard for Pimblett to see his good friend say farewell to the sport.

“Heartbreaking night last night watching my big sister retire,” Pimblett wrote on Instagram. “Been there with her from the start and will always be there this may be the end of her fighting career, but it’s far from the end of mine and her friendship. That’s till death do us part.

“UKMMA women’s legend first English woman to get a win in the UFC and has one of the best knockouts in women’s UFC and combat sports history, her legacy will live on forever. Emotional isn’t even the word for last night but even when I was crying the meatball will never fail to make me laugh when she said, ‘Haven’t done bad for a lesbo who was working in Subway have I.’ Love u @meatballmolly and always will me big sis.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHjUQ-LMp46/?img_index=1

McCann (14-8 MMA, 7-7 UFC) retired with 14 fights under the UFC banner, a run that extended from 2018 to 2025. Although she walks away 1-4 in her past five fights, McCann was able to pick up four $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses and logged notable wins over Ariane Lipski and Priscila Cachoeira during her UFC run.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

Alexia Thainara reacts to submitting Molly McCann in retirement bout at UFC London: ‘This is my time’

Alexia Thainara assures she’s here to stay following her submission win over Molly McCann at UFC London.

LONDON – [autotag]Alexia Thainara[/autotag] thinks her UFC debut signaled a changing of the guard in the women’s strawweight division.

Thainara (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) took a short-notice fight Saturday at UFC Fight Night 255 (ESPN+) at The O2 in London following a contract-winning performance on Dana White’s Contender Series this past September. Although it came with a little more than a week’s notice, and against a U.K. fan favorite in [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag], Thainara had no trouble showing out, quickly submitting McCann (14-8 MMA, 7-7 UFC) in the first round.

After the fight, McCann, 34, announced her retirement.

“Everyone was asking me about coming in and fighting someone who’s a huge star in her home, but the reality is that we’re all stars in the UFC,” Thainara said at the UFC Fight Night 255 post-fight press conference. “I’m happy that she had a long career. I think she did a lot of things. But this is my time, and she can feel comfort that she lost to someone who has a big heart and someone who’s happy to be here.”

Thainara enjoyed every step of her debut, even dancing as she walked out to the octagon as the visitor in London. She had no problem taking the short-notice opportunity, as she’s been standing by for whenever the UFC calls.

“My (manager) tells me that fighters need to stay ready, and ever since I fought at Contender Series, he’s been saying, ‘Alexia, you need to train. You need to diet. You need to be ready.’ And that’s what happened,” Thainara said. “UFC has the best matchmakers in the world – Sean (Shelby) and Mick (Maynard) – they called me and I delivered.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

UFC Fight Night 255 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Jan Blachowicz hits top tier after 10 years

Jan Blachowicz and Kevin Holland were the highest paid under the Promotional Guidelines Compliance program at UFC London.

LONDON – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 255 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $204,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC Fight Night 255 took place at The O2. The entire card streamed on ESPN+.

The full UFC Fight Night 255 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Sean Brady[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Carlos Ulberg[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Kevin Holland[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Gunnar Nelson[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Alexia Thainara[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Chris Duncan[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Jordan Vucenic[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Nathaniel Wood[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Morgan Charriere[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Chris Padilla[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Jai Herbert[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Lone’er Kavanagh[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Felipe dos Santos[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Marcin Tybura[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Mick Parkin[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Andrey Pulyaev[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Shauna Bannon[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Puja Tomar[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Caolan Loughran[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Nathan Fletcher[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Kaue Fernandes[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Guram Kutateladze[/autotag]: $4,500

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2551 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2025 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $1,949,500
2024 total: $8,280,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $32,967,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

UFC Fight Night 255 play-by-play, live results

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC London.

LONDON – UFC Fight Night 255 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) from The O2 (ESPN+).

Former welterweight champion Leon Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) takes on Sean Brady (17-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) in the main event. In the light heavyweight co-feature, ex-champ Jan Blachowicz (29-10-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) meets Carlos Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC).

Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 1 p.m. ET for the prelims on ESPN+ and 4 p.m. ET for the main card on ESPN+.

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC London lineup

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)

  • Sean Brady def. Leon Edwards via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 4, 1:39
  • Carlos Ulberg def. Jan Blachowicz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Kevin Holland def. Gunnar Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Alexia Thainara def. Molly McCann via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:32
  • Chris Duncan def. Jordan Vucenic via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:42
  • Nathaniel Wood def. Morgan Charriere via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET)

  • Chris Padilla def. Jai Herbert via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Lone’er Kavanagh def. Felipe dos Santos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Marcin Tybura def. Mick Parkin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Christian Leroy Duncan def. Andrey Pulyaev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
  • Shauna Bannon def. Puja Tomar via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 3:22
  • Caolan Loughran def. Nathan Fletcher via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Kaue Fernandes def. Guram Kutateladze via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady

Round 1 – Brady comes out throwing in a hurry and takes the center of the cage. He hits a combo, then pushes forward again with more. Edwards is backing up for the first minute and playing defense looking to counter. Brady lands a right, but Edwards counters with a solid body kick. They tie up briefly, but there’s not much to it. Edwards looks pretty calm on the outside. He’s got length and reach to his advantage, but two minutes in it’s a big combination from Brady that is the best of the fight so far. With 90 seconds left in the round, Brady pushes Edwards to the fence for the first true wrestling encounter in the fight. Edwards reverses things and they pivot off the fence to the center of the cage and Brady lands a trip takedown. There’s no damage down the stretch, but it helps score points.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Brady

Round 2 – Brady shoots for a takedown immediately. Like, faster than immediately if that’s possible. It’s not super clean, but it keeps Edwards off guard long enough he eventually has the fight to the canvas. This is Brady’s element, and he starts in half-guard. He quickly transitions around, though, and he’s got the back. Soon after, he gets the body triangle tightened up, and there’s more than three minutes for him to work. Edwards is strictly defensive at this point and he’ll have to fend off rear-naked choke attempts and short punches to the head. Edwards tries to fire backward elbows, and with two minutes left he forces a scramble and at least gets out of the triangle. Brady moves to half-guard, then looks for a kimura on Edwards’ right arm. Edwards is in a lot of trouble, but he defends nicely. With 45 seconds left, Brady takes his back for a few, then scrambles back to the top for some late ground-and-pound.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Brady

Round 3 – After a minute of slow playing, Edwards shoots a seriously ill-advised takedown attempt. It’s not a particularly good one, and he gives his neck to Brady on a silver platter. Brady gets it to the canvas and gets to full mount. Edwards stays defensive and tries to work his way back to his feet while Brady tries to find his way back to another submission attempt. Edwards is back to his back with Brady on top looking for ground-and-pound. It’s all control for Brady. There’s not incredibly damaging shots, but he’s trading between enough to be annoying and looking for that finish. It’s another easy round for Brady.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Brady

Round 4 – Brady easily gets his arms around Edwards and scoops him up for a double-leg takedown. And very seriously, with more than four minutes left in the round, the London fans are heading for the exits with their home country favorite dominating. And from the top, just seconds later, Brady locks up a single-arm guillotine choke from up top, and it’s tight … and it’s over. Insanely big win for Brady, and it was dominant from start to finish – like, it wasn’t ever close.

Result: Sean Brady def. Leon Edwards via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 4, 1:39
Recap: Sean Brady dominates, submits ex-champ Leon Edwards
Photos: Sean Brady def. Leon Edwards at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC), Brady (17-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Jan Blachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg

Round 1 – Ulberg works on the outside looking for an opening. He’s light on his feet and throws a couple quick left crosses to open the striking. Blachowicz presses forward and appears to be looking to find a spot to impose some power early. Ulberg looks patient 90 seconds in and pretty easily dances away from some jabs. He throws a solid leg kick, then a big left hand behind it that Blachowicz reacts to. Blachowicz responds with a leg kick of his own, then another midway through the round. More kicks to the lead leg for Blachowicz, who has used that to his benefit in the past. Blachowicz kicks high, but it’s blocked. Ulberg gets off a combination, but they trade some heavy kicks to the shins. Blachowicz misses with a high kick again. Neither landed a killer shot, but Blachowicz takes a close 10-9 round on the unofficial Junkie card based on the forward movement and activity.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Blachowicz

Round 2 – There’s no real pick-up in pace in the second. They trade low leg kicks, looking for openings. Never is there more than a couple pops at a time, perhaps owing to how critical a win is for each fighter. Neither seems willing to take a big enough risk to get in trouble, which makes the round again a tough one to score. Flip a coin.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Ulberg

Round 3 – Who will be the first one to truly take a chance? The activity seems decidedly picked up in the first minute, and a minute in, Ulberg shoots for a takedown. Blachowicz rather easily stuffs it, then goes back to kicking. Statistically, the fight is very close. It hasn’t been sexy. It hasn’t been Fight of the Night quality. And for someone who normally throws with high volume, Ulberg has scaled way back. Midway through the final round, it’s just as even as the first 10 minutes. Blachowicz comes forward with power and maybe looks more fatigued – maybe? But if that’s the case, Ulberg isn’t taking advantage. He lands a good right, though, and some leg kicks. With 90 seconds left, someone still needs to do something to steal this thing. BLachowicz tries a takedown, but it’s not there. With a minute left, the crowd seems to want a brawl. Blachowicz tries some big power late to get the judges’ attention and a jumping kick. Honestly, it’s close, but if it’s all even everywhere, it seemed like Blachowicz did just a little more. Again, who knows.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Blachowicz, and the fight 29-28 Blachowicz

Result: Carlos Ulberg def. Jan Blachowicz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Carlos Ulberg outpoints ex-champ Jan Blachowicz for 8th straight win
Photos: Carlos Ulberg def. Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight. Night 255: Best photos
Records: Blachowicz (29-11-1 MMA, 12-8-1 UFC), Ulberg (13-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby, Vito Paolillo 29-28

Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson

Round 1 – Holland comes out agressive with leg kicks. Big swings from Holland! Holland fighting well at distance. Nelson shoots and gets a takedown! Holland puts Nelson in an omoplata! Nelson picks him up and shakes out of it. Nelson now working from Holland’s guard. Short shots landing for Nelson. Holland with a close guard, trying to be conservative. More shots from Nelson. Nelson tries to get Holland’s back, but they scramble and Holland gets out. Back to striking. Oh! Holland drops Nelson. Ground-and-pound! Nelson looks out! The bell rings. Wow.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8, Holland.

Round 2 – Nelson is in trouble. Let’s see if he recovered. Big leg kicks by Holland. Nelson clinches Holland and presses him against the cage. Nelson is working hard for the takedown, but Holland is defending well. Great defense by Holland! After a ton of work, Nelson finally gets Holland to the ground with two minutes remaining. Solid ground-and-pound by Nelson. Holland landing shots from bottom, too! Final minute. Nelson controls Holland until the end of the round. Not much damage.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Nelson.

Round 3 – They clinch right off the bat and Holland punishes him with knees and uppercuts. Nelson gets a single leg takedown and gets it! Three and a half minutes remaining. Nelson gets the mount. Holland with a great scramble pushes Nelson off and recovers guard. Big shots from top by Nelson. He advances and moves to half guard. Oh! Nelson gets an arm triangle! It looks very tight! Holland gets out! He presses Nelson against the cage. Knees to the body by Holland! Big knee from Holland wobbles Nelson! Nelson pressing him against the cage. Nelson shoves Holland to the ground. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Nelson. Overall 28-28, draw.

Result: Kevin Holland def. Gunnar Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Kevin Holland drops Gunnar Nelson early, wins hard-fought decision
Photos: Kevin Holland def. Gunnar Nelson at UFC Fight. Night 255: Best photos
Records: Holland (27-13 MMA, 14-10 UFC), Nelson (19-6-1 MMA, 10-6 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: David Lethaby, Anders Ohlsson, Darryl Ransom 29-28

Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara

Round 1 – Thainara immediately takes the center of the cage and comes out very aggressivein her attack. Big left hand land for Thainara! McCann with a body shot. Big takedown by Thainara! Elbows from bottom by McCann! McCann looking to set up a submission off ger back. Thainara controlling, but not doing much damage. Thainara now sith some big shots from top! She moves to side control on McCann. McCann recovers guard. Gorund-and-pound from Thainara. Two minutes left. A failed armbar attempt from McCann, let’s Thainara advance and get her back! Thainara going for the rear-naked choke! McCann escapes! Thainara sinks it again! There’s the tap!

Result: Alexia Thainara def. Molly McCann via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:32
Recap: Molly McCann retires from MMA after Alexia Thainara’s quick win
Photos: Alexia Thainara def. Molly McCann at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Thainara (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), McCann (14-8 MMA, 7-7 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lucasz Bosacki

Chris Duncan vs. Jordan Vucenic

Round 1 – Vucenic takes the center of the cage. Oh! Giant right hand connects for Duncan! Vucenic goes down! Duncan jumps on him and gets a guillotine while being in Vucenic’s half guard. Vucenic breaks free and now he has Duncan in his guard. Vucenic gets back to his feet, but Ducan still has him tied up. Duncan presses Vucenic by the fence as he’s on top in turtle position. Knees from top by Duncan. Big lift and slam by Duncan. Duncan working from half guard. Duncan now controlling Vucenic from front headlock. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Duncan.

Round 2 – Early shot by Duncan and he gets it! Vucenic gets a guillotine, but Duncan defends well and gets out. Vucenic gets back on his feet, but is being pressed against the cage by Duncan. Vucenic breaks free. Nice combo by Vucenic. Right hand connects for Vucenic. Three minutes left. Vucenic shoots and Duncan stuffs it. Duncan has the front headlock on Vucenic. He’s looking for a choke. Vucenic gets up. Nice jabs by Vucenic. Vucenic shoots for a takedown and gets caught in a guillotine! There’s the tap! Duncan wins!

Result: Chris Duncan def. Jordan Vucenic via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:42
Recap: Chris Duncan submits Jordan Vucenic, calls out Terrance McKinney for UFC 314
Photos: Chris Duncan def. Jordan Vucenic at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Duncan (13-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Vucenic (13-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Morgan Charriere vs. Nathaniel Wood

Round 1 – They trade leg kicks. Oh! Big left hand connects for Wood. Oh! Giant righthand drops Charriere! Wood jumps on him! More shots from Wood! Charriere takes half guard and ties up Wood.  Wood snatches a guillotine! Charriere gets out and now he’s on top. Two minutes left. Wood working for a triangle choke from the bottom. It looks promsing. One minute left. Short punches from bottom by Wood. Charriere gets out. Shots to the body by Wood. Light ground-and-pound by Charriere. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood.

Round 2 – Leg kick by Wood. Bg left hand connects for Wood! Charriere gets stunned, but he carries on. Leg kick by Wood. He’s looking good, clearly outstriking Charriere. Good jab by Charriere. Leg kick, then a jab by Wood. Clean jab by Wood. Charriere havinga tough time with Wood on the feet. Three minutes left. They trade jabs. Thay trade kicks and Charriere loses balance and falls to the ground. He quickly gets up and presses Wood agaisnt the cage. Wood breaks free shortly after. Nice combo by Wood. Oh! Huge elbow connects for Charriere! Charriere shoots and Wood gets him in a guillotine. He uses that to reverse Charriere. They get back up and Charriere lands a solid elbow form the clinch. Jab by Wood. The bell rings. Close one.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood.

Round 3 – Big right hand by Wood. Wood pressing the action here. Both fighters a little more careful this round. Very low output here from both fighters. Three minutes left. Leg kick by Charriere, then jab. The jab by Wood has been a big difference maker here. Leg kick by Wood. They trade jabs. Final minute. Nice double jab by Wood. Big leg kick by Wood. More jabs and leg kicks from Wood get him scoring. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood. Overall 30-27, Wood.

Result: Nathaniel Wood def. Morgan Charriere via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Nathaniel Wood def. Morgan Charriere at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Wood (21-6 MMA, 9-3 UFC), Charriere (20-11-1 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Chris Lee, Anders Ohlsson, Clemens Werner 30-27

Jai Herbert vs. Chris Padilla

Round 1 – Herbet takes the center of the cage. Both fighters feinting a lot here, very tentative. Big leg kicks by Padilla. Not much going on here. Padilla staying on the outside with tons of movement and Herbet chasing. Two minutes left. Jab by Padilla. Big leg kicks by Padilla. One minute left. Padilla closes the distance and presses Herbet against the cage.Short knees to the legs by Padilla. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Padilla.

Round 2 – Sam dynamic here. Padilla stays on the outisede and Herbet chases. A head kick almost lands by Herbet. Leg kick by Padilla. Righthand lands for Padilla. Herbet is barely throwing here. Jab by Padilla. Three minutes left. Padilla closes the distance off a failed spinning attack from Herbet and presses Herbert against the cage. Knees to the legs by Padilla. Two minutes left. Herbet breaks free! They trade leg kicks. Body shot by Padilla. Herbert with a right hand. Padilla presses Herbert against the cage. Solid elbow from the clinch lands for Padilla. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Padilla.

Round 3 – Herbert likely needs a finish here. herbet chasing here, same dynamic as the first and second rounds. The crowd is growing restless. Leg kick by Padilla. Padilla closes the distance and presses Herbet against the cage. One, two lands for Herbert. We’re halfway through the round. Padilla, once again, presses Herbet against the cage. Not much going on here, just control. Padilla looking for the takedown, but Herbet defending well. they break apart. Oh, Padilla is split open on his left eyebrow. Padilla wobbles Herbet! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Padilla. Overall 30-27, Padilla.

Result: Chris Padilla def. Jai Herbert via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: Chris Padilla def. Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Padilla (16-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Herbert (13-6-1 MMA, 3-5-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: Darryl Ransom, Vito Paolillo 29-28. Anders Ohlsson 28-29.

Felipe dos Santos vs. Lone’er Kavanagh

Round 1 – Leg kick by dos Santos. Dos Santos pressing here. Oh! Big right hand stuns Kavanagh! Dos Santos presses Kavanagh against the cage. Kavanagh breaks free a few seconds after. Big leg kicks by dos Santos. Kavanagh with a leg kick of his own. They clinch. Kavanagh presses dos Santos against the cage, but he quickly breaks free. Oh! Spinning elbow by dos Santos! Kavanagh is cut and bleeding! Dos Santos closes the ditsnace and presses Kavanagh against the cage. Kavanagh reverses and takes down dos Santos but he immediately gets back to his feet. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, dos Santos.

Round 2 – Big leg kicks from Kavanagh! High paced action here. Dos Santos presses Kavanagh against the cage. Kavanagh gets free and they start brawling! Big shots from Kavanagh! Dos Santos shoots and gets reversed. He’s now on bottom. Solid ground-and-pound by Kavanagh! Dos Santos goes for a leg lock, but fails. Elbows from the bottom by dos Santos. Kavanagh with some heavy shots. Dos Santos tries to get up, but he gets dragged down by Kavanagh. Solid control from Kavanagh. Both landing shots here. Kavanagh is bleeding a ton. Nasty elbow by Kavanagh! Big elbows from dos Santos from bottom! Dos Santos gets up, but Kavanagh brings him right back down. Big shots from Kavanagh! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Kavanagh.

Round 3 – Leg kick by dos Santos. Kavanagh with a body kick. Dos Santos pressing the action here. Head kick by Kavanagh! Kavanagh shoots and gets Dos Santos to the ground. The referee warns dos Santos on up kicks. Complete control here by Kavanagh. Kavanagh has dos Santos cntrolled by the cage, Khabib style. Elbows from dos Santos from bottom. Dos Santos gets back up. He’s pressing Kavanagh. Kavanagh shoots and Dos Santos stuffs it! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Kavanagh. Overall 29-28, Kavanagh.

Result: Lone’er Kavanagh def. Felipe dos Santos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Lone’er Kavanagh def. Felipe dos Santos at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Kavanagh (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), dos Santos (8-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby, Clemens Werner 29-28.

Mick Parkin vs. Marcin Tybura

Round 1 – Both heavyweights meet in the middle. Oh! Clean combo by Tybura. Solid body kick by Tybura, but Parkin responds with a leg kick. Leg kick by Parkin. Jab by Parkin. Both guys landing solid combos here. Tybura closes the distance and tries to pindown Parkin against the fence, but unable to. Parkin pressing Tybura here. Nice combo by Parkin. Tybura with a takedown in the final seconds. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Parkin.

Round 2 – Clean body kick lands for Tybura. Parkin catches a kick from Tybura and takes him down to the ground. Parkin moves to side control. Parkin looking to advance, but Tybura doing a good job at defending. Solid shots from top by Parkin! We’re halfway through the round. Tybura scrambles out and they’re back to striking! Nice uppercuts by Parkin! Parkin presses Tybura against the cage. He takes Tybura down. Tybura gets back up and he now presses Parkin against the cage. Short shots here and there by Tybura. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Parkin.

Round 3 – Nice quick combo for Tybura! Parkin looks to be slowing down. Big left connects for Tybura. Jabs by Tybura. parkin connects with a right hand. Both guys are tired. Clean left lands for Tybura! Tybura is pressing here. Nice short shots from the clinch by Tybura. They break. Righthand lands for Parkin! Tybura with a quick combo! Another right by Parkin! Solid shot. Final minute here. They’re both landing, but not much power on either end. Tybura presses Parkin against the cage. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Tybura. Overall 29-28, Parkin.

Result: Marcin Tybura def. Mick Parkin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Marcin Tybura def. Mick Parkin at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos5: Best photos
Records: Tybura (27-9 MMA, 14-8 UFC), Parkin (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Darryl Ransom, Chris Lee, Vito Paolillo 29-28.

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Andrey Pulyaev

Round 1 – Duncan immediately takes the center of the cage and begins chasing Pulyaev. Oh! Huge combo connects for Duncan! Pulyaev eats the shots well. Duncan now pressing Pulyaev against the cage. They trade knees to the legs in close quarters. Pulyaev reverses and presses Duncan against the cage. Pulyaev working for the takedown, but unable to. Duncan reverses. Two minutes left. Duncan with solid control, but little damage. The referee breaks up the action and starts them back at striking range. A little less than a minute remaining. Body kick by Pulyaev. Leg kick by Duncan. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Duncan.

Round 2 – Oblique kick lands for Pulyaev. Duncan presses Pulyaev against the cage. Duncan controlling Pulyaev against the cage. Pulyaev reverses! Knee to the head by Pulyaev. Back to striking. Duncan chasing Pulyaev here. Leg kicks by Duncan. Body shot by Pulyaev. Two minutes left. Not a ton going on. Nasty body kick by Pulyaev. Oh! Big right-hand lands for Duncan. He’s turning up the heat. Solid body kick by Pulyaev. Leg kicks by Duncan. Pulyaev is mainly running here, not landing much. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Duncan.

Round 3 – Duncan wastes no time and presses Pulyaev against the cage. Pulyaev reverses. Duncan reverses and takes control. Not a ton going on. They break. Duncan back to chasing. Duncan ties up Pulyaev against the cage. Pulyaev reverses, but gets reverses hsortly after. Shoulder strikes by Duncan by the cage. One minute left. Knee by Duncan. They break. Duncan presses Pulyaev against the cage. Duncan with some nasty short elbows! Pulyaev is hurt! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Duncan. Overall 30-27, Duncan.

Result: Christian Leroy Duncan def. Andrey Pulyaev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Photos: Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Andrey Pulyaev at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Duncan (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Pulyaev (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Clemens Werner 30-27. Anders Ohlsson 30-26.

Shauna Bannon vs. Puja Tomar

Round 1 – Nice quick como by Tomar. Bannon pushes Tomar against the cage, as she looks for a takedown. Short knees land for Bannon. Tmar breaks free. Big combo by Tomar! Oh! Another big right by Tomar. Bannon with a one, two. Head kick by Bannon! Nice sidekicks to the body by Bannon. Leg kick by Bannon. Another head kick by Bannon! Bannon keeping Tomar at range with side kicks, and Tomar doesn’t seem to have an answer to them so fra. Final minute. A couple of big right hands land for Tomar! The bell rings. Close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Bannon.

Round 2 – Bannon back to pressing Tomar and keeping her at range with side-kicks. Bannon presses Tomar against the cage. Some knees to the body and legs land for Bannon. Another side-kick by Bannon. Bannon is spamming the side-kick. Oh! Giant head kick by Tomar drops! Big shots by Tomar on a downed Bannon! Bannon survives! Bannon locks an armbar! She adjusts, and there’s the tap!

Result: Shauna Bannon def. Puja Tomar via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 3:22
Recap: Shauna Bannon turns tables on Puja Tomar with Round 2 armbar
Photos: Shauna Bannon def. Puja Tomar at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Bannon (7-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Tomar (9-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki

Nathan Fletcher vs. Caolan Loughran

Round 1 – Jab lands for Fletcher, followed by a leg kick. Another low kicks lands for Fletcher. Fletcher with another leg kick. It seems they’re affecting Loughran. Solid right lands for Loughran. Loughran closes the distance and presses Fletcher against the cage. He gets the takedown! Fletcher scrambling to get back on his feet. He does, but still being presses against the cage. Short shots land for Loughran. He gets the takedown. Two minutes left. Fletcher gets back to his feet and breaks away from the clinch. Back to striking.Jab by Fletcher. Loughran catches a kick and presses Fletcher against the cage. Loughran with a takedown, but Fletcher reverses and end on top! Loughran gets up and presses Fletcher against the cage. Another takedown by Loughran. The bell rings. Very close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Loughran.

Round 2 – Fletcher gets the takedown early! Loughran gets up, but Fletcher controlling against the cage. Fletcher jumps on Loughran’s back while standing. He’s looking for the rear-naked choke. Short shots land for Fletcher. Fletcher in complete control here. Fletcher with more short shots. Two minutes left. Fletcher gets off Loughran’s back, but still controlling him against the cage. Loughran breaks free! Loughran presses Fletcher against the cage. Good elbow by Loughran on the break. Fletcher connects with a knee on Loughran, as Loughran went for the takedown. Loughran presses Fletcher against the cage. The bell ring.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fetcher.

Round 3 – Loughran presses Fletcher against gne cage, and gets an early takedown here. Loughran takes the back of Fletcher! Fletcher breaks free and they’re back to striking. Fletcher shoots, but Loughran stuffs the takedown. Loughran pressing Fletcher against the cage. Fletcher with a nice knee. He breaks free. Two minutes left. Loughran scores a takedown! Loughran is all over Fletcher. Fletcher keeps getting back up, but Loughran drags him back down. Front headlock by Fletcher! Nice knees by Fletcher. Oh! Elbow by Fletcher. Solid combo by Fletcher. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fletcher. Overall 29-28, Fletcher.

Result: Caolan Loughran def. Nathan Fletcher via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Caolan Loughran def. Nathan Fletcher at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Loughran (10-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC), Fletcher (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Vito Paolillo 29-28. Anders Ohlsson 28-29.

Kaue Fernandes vs. Guram Kutateladze

Round 1 – Kutateladze takes the center of the cage. Both fghters being very cautious here. Leg kicks by Fernandes. Big leg kick by Fernandes! Kutateladze has yet to fire. Another leg kick by Fernandes. Kutateladze closes the distance and fails on a shot. Three minutes left. Head kick by Fernandes drops Kutateladze! Kutateladze back up. He seems to be fine. Two minutes left. Jab by Fernandes. Big leg kick by Fernandes. Kutateladze has very little to no output. Kutateladze shoots for a takedown and fails again. More leg kicks by Fernandes. Body kick by Fernandes. Final minute. Kutateladze’s nose and leg is red from damage taken by Fernandes. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fernandes.

Round 2 – Oh! Nasty leg kick by Fernandes drops Kutateladze! Kutateladze is in pain. Fernandes follows him to the ground and begin landing shots. He lets Kutateladze back up. Kutateladze can barely stand. Kutateladze now bleeding from his nose. Kutateladze’s mobility seems to be getting better.  Another big leg kick by Fernandes. More leg kicks. Three minutes left. Kutateladze is getting light up here. Kutateladze shoots and Fernandes stuffs the takedown. Two minutes left. Big counter right by Fernandes wobbles Kutateladze! The fight hits the ground after a scramble and Fernandes ends on top. Final minute. Kutateladze looks to be fading fast. They get back up. Fernandes tries a takedown, but fails. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fernandes.

Round 3 – Kutateladze needs a finish here. He’s clearly down two rounds. Props to Kutateladze, he’s still pressing despite the damage. Oh! Nasty body kick by Fernandes. the output has slowed down from Fernandes. Big leg kick by Fernandes. Nice short combo by Kutateladze. Jab by Fernandes. Two minutes left. Kutateladze is bleeding from the bridge of his nose. Right hook connects for Kutateladze. Final minute. Oh! Nasty leg kick from Fernandes collapses Kutateladze! More leg kicks from Fernandes on a downed Kutateladze. Kutateladze gets back up. Fernandes scores a takedown. The bell rings!

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fernandes. Overall 30-27, Fernandes.

Result: Kaue Fernandes def. Guram Kutateladze via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Kaue Fernandes def. Guram Kutateladze at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos
Records: Fernandes (10-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Kutateladze (13-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Darryl Ransom, David Lethaby, Clemens Werner 30-27.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

UFC Fight Night 255 video: Molly McCann retires from MMA after Alexia Thainara’s quick win

Molly McCann said “the UFC deserves more” than her first-round submission loss to a newcomer at UFC London, leading to her retirement.

[autotag]Alexia Thainara[/autotag] shined in her short notice octagon debut Saturday with a one-sided finish over [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag] at UFC Fight Night 255.

After accepting the strawweight fight on eight days’ notice, Thainara (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) came in and took McCann (14-8 MMA, 7-7 UFC) down just 70 seconds into the contest at The O2 in London. She quickly took the back and finished the fight inside the first round (via X):

As a result of the defeat, McCann announced her retirement from MMA, giving an emotional speech after a career that saw her become the first British female to earn a UFC win.

“UFC, Dana (White), Hunter (Campbell), Mick (Maynard), f*cking hell, all of you. I started this fight career at 24,” McCann said in the octagon while announcing her retirement. “I walked into this fight with these (coaches) and I give you all my f*cking heart and soul, but tonight, with that performance with someone on a week’s notice, it’s not good enough. I’m not coming out here just for the payday. The UFC deserves more. I deserve more and you all deserve more. … Thank you so f*cking much.”

Although it was a moment of disappointment and the end of the road for McCann in active competition, it was a triumphant performance for Thainara, who hopes this is just the start of an illustrious UFC career.

“This is Alexia delivery. The UFC has the best matchmakers,” Thainara said through an interpreter in her post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. “They called, I came and I delivered.”

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 255 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

Alexia Thainara def. Molly McCann at UFC Fight Night 255: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Alexia Thainara’s first-round submission win over Molly McCann at UFC Fight Night 255.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Alexia Thainara[/autotag]’s first-round submission win over [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag] at UFC Fight Night 255 at The O2 in London. (Photos by Peter van den Berg, USA Today Sports; MMA Junkie; UFC)

Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 255

Can England’s own Molly McCann regain the momentum she had from back-to-back spinning elbow knockouts a few years ago?

Molly McCann and Alexia Thainara meet Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 255 at The O2 in London. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-4
UFC main cards, 2025: 21-20-1

Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara UFC London preview

The good news for McCann (14-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC) is she has post-fight bonuses in her past four wins. Rougher is that she’s dropped three of her past four. … Thainara (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), from Brazil, stepped in for Istela Nunes on just 10 days’ notice. She’s won nine straight, including on DWCS this past September.

Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara UFC London expert pick, prediction

Filling out the main card in London is an impromptu strawweight scrap between [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag] and [autotag]Alexia Thainara[/autotag].

Stepping in on just over a week’s notice to replace Istela Nunes is Thainara, who is fresh off of a successful showing on the last season of Dana White’s Contender Series.

Despite only giving Thainara a C+ on the night, I was admittedly a bit more impressed with her improvements after going back to watch her tape. That always helps provide further context.

Not only is Thainara showing to steadily shore up her raw sensibilities, but the Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt has also shown some solid offensive grappling skills that could provide some problems for McCann.

McCann will be the more polished striker and big edge in experience, but Thainara, to her credit, does regularly train with the UFC’s Amanda Ribas, so I can understand why “Burguesinha” is bustling with confidence.

This should be a principal pick for McCann given the short-notice intangibles and rawness of Thainara, but I suspect that the Brazilian’s athleticism, attitude and ability to punch the body will serve her well in this spot.

The pick is Thainara by submission in Round 2.

Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara UFC London odds

The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Brazilian fighter, listing Thainara (-196) and McCann (+158) via FanDuel.

Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara UFC London start time, how to watch

McCann and Thainara are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 5:15 p.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

Molly McCann plans to show off ‘more educated’ version of herself at UFC Fight Night 255

Molly McCann has shifted her mindset ahead of UFC Fight Night 255.

LONDON – [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag] has shifted her mindset ahead of UFC Fight Night 255.

McCann (14-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC) will look to rebound against newcomer Alexia Thainara (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) on Saturday’s main card (ESPN+) at The O2 in London.

McCann has gone through ebbs and flows throughout her career, from incredible back-to-back knockouts of Luana Carolina and Hannah Goldy on home soil, to two consecutive first-round submission losses right behind that. She comes into Saturday with a much calmer mentality but is confident that what she’s gone through in the octagon should help her prevail against Thainara.

“She’s going to be very dangerous for that first round,” McCann told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC Fight Night 255 media day. “Experience is on my side. I’ve had as many fights in the UFC as she’s had professional wins, and I think you’ll get to see a very more educated Molly McCann in there and just use my experience.”

McCann knows what it’s like to have a UFC debut spoiled after she was submitted by Gillian Robertson in her hometown of Liverpool in 2018. However, she won’t underestimate Thainara, who’s stepping in on less than two weeks’ notice after Istela Nunes withdrew.

“My UFC debut, I thought I was the bullocks and Gillian Robertson humbled me,” McCann said. “So, I know the percentage of debutants when they come out, it’s not always that they win because they get caught up in the show, and I’m not going to rely on that with my opponent. I’m really expecting to have someone come for me the whole way.”

[lawrence-related id=2758563,2811187,2811372,2811193]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.

Molly McCann gets new UFC Fight Night 255 opponent for London

British UFC star Molly McCann has a new opponent for her next fight in London as Istela Nunes has withdrawn from the contest.

[autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag] will be going up against a Brazilian strawweight at UFC Fight Night 255, but it won’t be [autotag]Istela Nunes[/autotag].

With Nunes out, in steps [autotag]Alexia Thainara[/autotag], a Dana White’s Contender Series signee and promotional debutant. McCann (14-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC) and Thainara (11-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will fight March 22 at the O2 in London.

The promotion made the fight official Friday, and added that Nunes (6-5 MMA, 0-4 UFC) is out of the bout due to visa issues. Ag. Fight first reported the change Thursday.

McCann, 34, has lost three of her most recent four outings. She most recently competed in July when she was defeated by Bruna Brasil via unanimous decision.

Thainara, 27, wowed many viewers during her UFC-contract earning DWCS appearance in September as she largely dominated then-LFA champion Rose Conceicao en route to a unanimous decision. Six of her 11 career victories have come by decision.

With the change, the UFC Fight Night 255 lineup includes:

  • Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady
  • Jan Blachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg
  • Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson
  • Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara
  • Chris Duncan vs. Jordan Vucenic
  • Morgan Charriere vs. Nathaniel Wood
  • Jai Herbert vs. Chris Padilla
  • Felipe Dos Santos vs. Lone’er Kavanagh
  • Mick Parkin vs. Marcin Tybura
  • Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Andrey Pulyaev
  • Shauna Bannon vs. Puja Tomar
  • Nathan Fletcher vs. Caolan Loughran

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.