Three successive UFC wins, two in the U.S.A, alongside one unwavering appetite for success, Molly McCann is beginning to make a name for herself in mixed-martial arts. 

Born in Liverpool, the 29-year-old originally spent much of her MMA career in England, winning the vacant Cage Warriors Fighting Championship in the flyweight division against Bryony Tyrell in her home city. 

Her subsequent rise to the UFC began with a loss to Gillian Robertson, but since then McCann has not looked back. In March 2019, she became the first English woman in history to win in the UFC when she beat Brazilin Priscila Cachoeira via a unanimous decision.

This was followed by back-to-back wins in the United States, also by decision against Ariane Lipski and Diana Belbita. This March, McCann will look to repeat her exploits from last year when she fights at UFC London again, this time against Ashlee-Evans Smith. 

Evans-Smith is a bantamweight turned flyweight, who has struggled in recent fights. A unanimous points decision loss to Andrea Lee was one of three losses in her last four fights, with the sole win against Bec Rawlings in her 125-pound debut.

Whilst recent form suggests that McCann may have the upper hand, she will not underestimate her opponent and is not boastful about being a British history-maker.

‘It’s an accolade it’s nice to know that can never be taken away from me, but it’s not something that I'll boast about,” she said.

Fighting again in London will no doubt give McCann an added incentive, however, and she is looking forward to representing England again.

Her home community from Norris Green, Liverpool has supported her throughout her journey, something McCann appreciates greatly. 

“When I won in London in March, Norris Green really got behind me. It was nice to know they had a positive role model to come out of that area.”

Being one of the most successful British female UFC stars, McCann recognises that this comes with more attention, but nevertheless here motivation is clear and simple.

“I’m just trying to be the best version of myself and hopefully inspire the next generation,” she said.

The UFC demands not just mental strength though, but physical toughness as well. Last time McCann was in London, she fractured an orbital bone in her eye socket but continued on and was victorious. Similarly, in her last fight, she suffered a broken hand but still won a points decision.

It is this physical and mental resilience, combined with a lot of hard work and training that have stood McCann in such good stead so far. March’s bout against Evans-Smith may well prove to be the toughest match she has faced so far, but if there is one thing for certain, she will most definitely be up for the challenge.