Just weeks after stepping away from the UFC, Molly McCann — better known to fans as "Meatball Molly" — has officially launched her professional boxing career, signing a long-term deal with Matchroom Boxing, the powerhouse promotion led by Eddie Hearn. The announcement, made public on July 3, 2025, across five major outlets including ESPN, MMA Fighting, and Boxing Scene, marks a dramatic pivot for the former UFC strawweight contender who walked away from mixed martial arts after a six-year run marked by grit, heart, and a cult following. The move isn’t just a career change — it’s a calculated leap into a new arena where her toughness, footwork, and fan appeal could make her an instant star.
From UFC Octagon to Boxing Ring
Molly McCann didn’t fade quietly from the UFC. She left on her own terms, as confirmed by Cris Cyborg’s report that her transition came "after UFC retirement." She spent the final months of her MMA career building momentum — not just with wins, but with personality. Her nickname, "Meatball Molly," wasn’t just a quirk; it was a brand. Fans loved her unfiltered honesty, her relentless pressure, and the way she’d grin through bloody noses. Now, she’s trading the cage for the ropes, and the gloves for 10-ounce boxing ones. Eddie Hearn didn’t hold back when he confirmed the signing: "She's officially signed with Matchroom Boxing," he told MMA Fighting. "Molly McCann will compete now as a boxer, about time I'd like to say as well." That last line? It wasn’t just casual. It was a signal — Hearn saw something in her that the UFC never fully tapped: mainstream crossover appeal.
Targeting a Title in Eight Fights
Most fighters dream of a world title. McCann has a timeline. According to Boxing Scene’s July 3 report, she’s aiming to win a world title within eight professional bouts. That’s ambitious. Aggressive. Almost reckless. But then again, McCann’s never been one to play it safe. In the UFC, she fought through torn ligaments, broken ribs, and brutal weight cuts — all while maintaining a smile. Now, under Matchroom’s structured development path, she’ll likely start at 115 or 122 pounds, likely in the super flyweight or bantamweight divisions. Her first fight? Still unannounced. But insiders say it could come as early as November, possibly on a Matchroom card in Manchester, where she’s from. Her team is already talking about potential opponents — former WBC interim champ Jessica Balogun and rising star Amelie Lefebvre are names being floated.
Why Matchroom? Why Now?
Matchroom Boxing isn’t just another promoter. It’s the engine behind Anthony Joshua, Ryan Garcia, and Katie Taylor. Hearn knows how to build stars — not just fighters. He knows TV deals, social media hooks, and how to turn a gritty underdog into a household name. McCann’s charisma, her British roots, and her UFC pedigree make her perfect for his playbook. She’s not just another MMA fighter dabbling in boxing. She’s a proven combat athlete with a built-in fanbase looking for the next chapter. And Hearn? He didn’t sign her because she’s a novelty. He signed her because he believes she can win a world title — and sell tickets doing it.
The Bigger Picture: MMA-to-Boxing Pipeline
This isn’t the first time a UFC fighter has switched codes. Ronda Rousey tried it. Amanda Nunes dabbled. But none have had the same kind of public momentum McCann brings. What’s different now? The lines between combat sports are blurring. Fans don’t care if you fought in a cage or a ring — they care if you’re exciting. And McCann? She’s electric. Her move also reflects a quiet shift: top-tier female fighters are no longer waiting for UFC to give them a platform. They’re taking control. Signing with Matchroom means better pay, better exposure, and a clearer path to global recognition. For women in combat sports, this could be a blueprint.
What’s Next for Meatball Molly?
Her debut date hasn’t been set, but the pieces are falling into place. Matchroom has already begun teasing her on social media with behind-the-scenes footage of her training in Essex — bare knuckles on heavy bags, shadowboxing to Britpop, and sparring with former British champions. Her coach, former WBO super bantamweight contender Paul Butler, is now guiding her transition. The goal isn’t just to compete — it’s to dominate. And if she wins her first eight fights? Don’t be surprised if she’s headlining a card at the Manchester Arena by next summer. She’s not just chasing a belt. She’s chasing legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Molly McCann leave the UFC?
McCann officially retired from the UFC in late June 2025, following her last fight against Mackenzie Dern in January. While no formal statement cited specific reasons, multiple sources indicate she sought greater financial control, more frequent fight opportunities, and a platform where her personality could shine beyond the cage. Matchroom’s global reach and media strategy offered a clearer path to stardom than the UFC’s current structure.
How does boxing differ from MMA for someone like McCann?
In MMA, McCann relied on grappling, takedowns, and ground control. Boxing strips that away — it’s pure striking, footwork, and ring IQ. Her strength and durability will translate well, but she’ll need to refine her jab, head movement, and defensive timing. Matchroom has already paired her with elite boxing coaches, including former world champion Paul Butler, to bridge that gap in under six months.
What’s the significance of Eddie Hearn’s "about time" comment?
Hearn’s remark wasn’t just casual. It signaled frustration — not with McCann, but with the UFC. He’s long criticized how MMA organizations underutilize charismatic female fighters. By signing McCann, he’s sending a message: if the UFC won’t build her into a star, Matchroom will. It’s a power play in the battle for combat sports talent.
Can McCann realistically win a world title in eight fights?
It’s a tall order — most champions spend 15+ fights climbing the ranks. But McCann isn’t starting from zero. She’s got fight IQ, power, and a built-in fanbase. Matchroom will likely pair her with experienced but lower-ranked opponents early, then ramp up to title challengers by fight six. If she wins decisively and draws crowds, a title shot by fight eight isn’t fantasy — it’s strategy.
Will McCann fight in the UK or internationally?
Her first few fights are expected to be in the UK — likely Manchester or London — to build local support. But Matchroom has already scheduled events in the U.S., Ireland, and Saudi Arabia this year. If she wins her first four fights, she could appear on a card in Las Vegas or Riyadh by early 2026. Her appeal is global, and Hearn plans to exploit it.
How does this affect women’s boxing overall?
McCann’s move adds legitimacy to the growing trend of elite MMA fighters entering boxing. Her fanbase — largely from the UFC — brings new viewers to the sport. If she succeeds, it could trigger a wave of female fighters leaving MMA for boxing’s more lucrative and media-friendly environment. This isn’t just a career shift — it’s a potential turning point for women’s combat sports.
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