Molly Mccann: Net Worth, Age, Career & Retirement Announces

Molly McCann, widely recognized as one of Britain’s most prominent female mixed martial artists, has officially retired from the sport. The 34-year-old Liverpudlian, affectionately known as “Meatball Molly,” closed the chapter on her 10-year professional career following a tough first-round submission loss to Alexia Thainara at UFC London on March 23, 2025.

McCann exits the octagon with a legacy that extends far beyond her record of 14 wins in 22 professional bouts. From the gritty streets of Norris Green, Liverpool, to the world’s most prestigious MMA promotion, her journey has been marked by resilience, defiance, and trailblazing achievements for women’s MMA in the United Kingdom.

Early Life: Overcoming Adversity in Norris Green

Born on May 4, 1990, in Liverpool, England, Molly McCann’s upbringing was anything but easy. Raised by her aunt due to her mother’s struggles with substance abuse and her father’s absence, McCann grew up in a challenging environment alongside her two sisters. The hardships she faced in Liverpool’s Norris Green neighborhood shaped her tenacity and fighting spirit.

Sports became her refuge early on. Initially drawn to karate, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, it was boxing at age 12 that truly ignited her passion for combat sports. Before fully committing to MMA, McCann also spent five years as a footballer. She later pursued higher education, earning a degree in sports development and physical education from Liverpool John Moores University — a testament to her determination both inside and outside the cage.

The Rise of “Meatball Molly”

While working at a local Subway to make ends meet during her amateur fighting days, McCann earned the now-famous nickname “Meatball Molly.” It would eventually become synonymous with grit, heart, and explosive performances inside the cage.

Her professional MMA debut in Liverpool marked the start of a career that quickly gained momentum. Competing in regional promotions such as Shock N’ Awe MMA, McCann won the vacant flyweight title and successfully defended it, establishing her as a rising star.

In 2018, her breakout moment came in Cage Warriors, one of Europe’s leading promotions. McCann claimed the vacant Cage Warriors Women’s Flyweight Championship after defeating Bryony Tyrell. This accomplishment earned her a contract with the UFC, where she would go on to make history.

UFC Career and Milestones

McCann made her UFC debut in 2018, five years after Rosi Sexton became the first British woman to compete in the promotion. Over the next seven years, she became a fan-favorite thanks to her high-pressure fighting style and unrelenting spirit.

Among her highlights were two spinning elbow knockouts in 2022, which secured her three Performance of the Night bonuses — the most in UFC flyweight history. Despite battling through injuries and setbacks, McCann’s ability to electrify arenas, particularly at home events in London, earned her recognition as a cornerstone of British MMA.

However, McCann’s final run in the UFC proved challenging, suffering four defeats in her last five bouts. Speaking after her retirement fight at UFC London, she admitted, “The camps are too hard, and to keep it all together, it’s too hard to not get the wins and take the damage.”

With her voice cracking, McCann expressed gratitude to the UFC and its president, Dana White, stating, “I started this sport at 24 and I have given you all my heart and soul. It’s time now.”

A Voice Beyond the Cage

McCann’s impact goes well beyond her performances in the octagon. She has been candid about her struggles with her sexual identity, revealing that she spent years avoiding the truth before coming out as gay at age 25. Growing up Catholic, McCann found it difficult to reconcile her faith with her identity, but through MMA, she found the strength to live authentically.

In 2023, she got engaged to her partner, Ellis Clark, marking a joyful milestone in her personal life.

McCann is also known for her unapologetic political views. A self-described socialist, she has been vocal about her criticism of the Conservative Party and its impact on working-class communities like Liverpool. One of her most memorable moments outside the cage came in July 2022, when she led a chant of “F*** the Tories” at the O2 Arena, solidifying her reputation as a fighter both inside and outside the cage.

Net Worth and Legacy

As of 2025, Molly McCann’s estimated net worth stands at $1 million. This wealth reflects a career built on determination, talent, and a loyal fan base that followed her journey from Liverpool to the UFC.

McCann’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of the UK’s most successful and inspirational female fighters. She may not have claimed a UFC title, but her impact is undeniable. In her own words, “I knocked on the door and opened it” for British women in MMA, encouraging the next generation to dream bigger and fight harder.

Looking Ahead

Molly McCann leaves the sport with her head held high, content with having given everything to a career that saw her evolve from a struggling young woman in Liverpool to a national sports icon. While her fighting days are behind her, her influence and story will undoubtedly continue to inspire aspiring athletes across the UK and beyond.

Quick Facts:

• Full Name: Molly McCann
• Nickname: Meatball Molly
• Date of Birth: May 4, 1990 (Age 34)
• Place of Birth: Liverpool, England
• Nationality: British
• Career: Retired Mixed Martial Artist
• Partner: Ellis Clark (Engaged)
• Net Worth: $1 million (as of 2025)

With a career that has transcended the sport, Molly McCann stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for anyone battling personal and professional challenges.