Molly McCann, one of Britain’s most accomplished female fighters, has embraced a new challenge: professional boxing. The Scouse athlete, who retired from a gruelling UFC career after 14 bouts, will step into the ring again this Saturday to fight Ebonie Cotton at the NEC in Birmingham.
“I give my hidings and I take my hidings,” McCann says, reflecting on the injuries endured throughout her career—from snapped ligaments and broken feet to shattered hands and legs. “It’s traumatic for Fran and even more traumatic for my mum. I’m 35 and I’ve been in the gym since I was 12. I had my first fight at 16. I’ve spent most of my life fighting.”
McCann’s mother and partner, Fran Parman, carry much of the emotional weight of her career. While McCann trains and cuts weight, they endure the anxiety and stress that come with the territory. “Fran gets bad anxiety,” she says. “I know Molly can fight, but seeing her go through the dieting and hard work is really difficult. I can’t go to this next fight because I panic so much.”
Despite this, McCann is resolute. Her transition from MMA to boxing comes with confidence rooted in experience. “I have so much experience from the highest level in the UFC that I’m on the express train to a world title by the end of next year or early 2027,” she says.
The Liverpool fighter, openly gay and an Everton supporter, has faced prejudice throughout her career, particularly in the UFC, where homophobic and misogynistic behavior sometimes went unchecked. “I’m a Scouse female gay athlete who supports Everton—it’s like my cards are marked already,” she admits. “The older I’ve got, the less agitated I’ve become.”
McCann’s passion for combat sports shines through, whether watching classic boxing bouts or training tirelessly at the No Limits Boxing Club. Her journey reflects both resilience and determination: a fighter who knows when to stand her ground and is now charting a new path in professional boxing, with her sights firmly set on world titles.
