Alexia Thainara reacts to submitting Molly McCann in retirement bout at UFC London: 'This is my time'
LONDON – Alexia Thainara 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 Molly McCann, 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."
More UFC!
Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Sean Brady after UFC Fight Night 255 win?
Magomed Ankalaev praises Carlos Ulberg for UFC London win, but says Alex Pereira most deserving
UFC Fight Night 255 takeaways: Can Carlos Ulberg beat Magomed Ankalaev or Alex Pereira?
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Alexia Thainara reacts to submitting Molly McCann in retirement bout at UFC London: 'This is my time'
Read more at Yahoo Sports
Topics
-
Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 255
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 ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Trailblazer Molly McCann retires after UFC London defeat: ‘I came, I saw, I didn’t conquer’
McCann announced she was hanging up her gloves after being submitted in the first round by Alexia Thainara but departs as probably Britain’s greatest-ever female MMA fighterYahoo Sports - 2d -
McCann retires as British MMA icon
Molly McCann says she "knocked on the door and opened it" after retiring from MMA following defeat by Alexia Thainara at UFC London.BBC News - 2d -
UFC Fight Night 255 video: Molly McCann retires from MMA after Alexia Thainara's quick win
Alexia Thainara shined in her short notice octagon debut Saturday with a one-sided finish over Molly McCann at UFC Fight Night 255. After accepting the strawweight fight on eight days' notice, ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Alexia Thainara: Molly McCann will be 'terrified' to grapple at UFC Fight Night 255
LONDON – Alexia Thainara had to make some compromises on her ideal scenario, but overall she couldn't ask for much more for a UFC debut. After earning a contract on Dana White's Contender Series, ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Molly McCann gets new UFC Fight Night 255 opponent for London
Molly McCann will be going up against a Brazilian strawweight at UFC Fight Night 255, but it won't be Istela Nunes. With Nunes out, in steps Alexia Thainara, a Dana White's Contender Series signee ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14 -
Molly McCann plans to show off 'more educated' version of herself at UFC Fight Night 255
LONDON – Molly McCann 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 ...Yahoo Sports - 5d -
McCann in fiery face-off as Edwards promises knockout
Leon Edwards promises to knock out Sean Brady as Molly McCann gets involved in a fiery face-off with Alexia Thainara before UFC London on Saturday.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Paddy Pimblett emotional over Molly McCann's retirement at UFC London: 'Her legacy will live on forever'
Molly McCann decided to hang up the gloves, and her friend and teammate Paddy Pimblett admits that it was a tough moment to process. McCann announced her retirement Saturday at UFC Fight Night 255 ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
The UFC stars Britain needs most after deflating Leon Edwards and Molly McCann scenes
UFC London saw McCann retire and Edwards drift further from a title shot, so which fighters represent the future of British MMA?Yahoo Sports - 1h -
UFC London: Molly McCann announces retirement after 11-year MMA career as Paddy Pimblett fights back tears
"Meatball" is calling it a career.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
McCann's rollercoaster UFC career in pictures
The best pictures from Molly McCann's UFC career, which had as many lows as highs.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
UFC Fight Night 255 post-event facts: Leon Edwards shut out – and tapped out – for first time
The UFC's annual stop in London went down Saturday with UFC Fight Night 255 at The O2, a card which saw eight of 13 bouts go to the scorecards.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
UFC Fight Night 255 video: Chris Duncan submits Jordan Vucenic, calls out Terrance McKinney for UFC 314
LONDON – Make that two straight guillotines in the UFC for Chris Duncan. Duncan (13-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) showed off his striking in Round 1 by dropping Jordan Vucenic (13-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) with a superman ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Kevin Holland says UFC Fight Night 255 bout not permanent move down to welterweight
LONDON – Kevin Holland still plans on bouncing around weight classes after UFC Fight Night 255. Holland (26-13 MMA, 13-10 UFC) takes on the returning Gunnar Nelson (19-5-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in a ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Sean Brady goes off on 'salty' Leon Edwards after UFC London: 'F*ck him and his whole team'
Sean Brady doesn't appreciate how Leon Edwards handled losing to him at UFC Fight Night 255. Brady (18-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) dominated and submitted former UFC welterweight champion Edwards (22-5 MMA, ...Yahoo Sports - 3h -
UFC Fight Night 255: How to watch Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady, start time, London fight card, odds, more
The UFC is back in one of the world's most iconic cities Saturday with UFC Fight Night 255 in London. Here's how to watch UFC Fight Night 255 with a British former champion in the headlining spot, ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17 -
Leon Edwards faced with the tough task of extending U.K. MMA's golden era at UFC London
For the first time in nearly 10 years, UFC London is all about what Leon Edwards looks like when he gets back up.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Sean Brady submits Leon Edwards at UFC London to condemn former champion to back-to-back losses
Edwards may be out of title contention for good after failing to bounce back from last summer’s loss to Belal MuhammadYahoo Sports - 2d -
UFC Fight Night odds, predictions, start time, London card: Edwards vs. Brady picks by top MMA expert
SportsLine's Daniel Vithlani reveals his picks for the UFC Fight Night: Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady fight card from O2 Arena in London on SaturdayCBS Sports - 3d -
UFC Fight Night 255: Make your predictions for Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady in London
We want your predictions for Saturday's UFC Fight Night 255. Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we'll use ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17 -
Brady upsets Edwards with dominant display
Sean Brady upsets Leon Edwards with a dominant display, submitting the Briton in the fourth round of the pair's welterweight contest at UFC London.BBC News - 2d -
Paddy Pimblett reacts to accusations of Michael Chandler being a cheater ahead of UFC 314
LONDON – Paddy Pimblett addressed accusations of Michael Chandler not being a clean fighter. Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) meets former title challenger Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) at UFC 314 on ...Yahoo Sports - 22h -
Ex-UFC champ Demetrious Johnson sticking to retirement despite getting multiple offers
MMA retirements often times don't last. However, Demetrious Johnson is certain his is definite. The majority of retirements in combat sports, and particularly MMA, after seemingly taken with a ...Yahoo Sports - 15h -
UFC Fight Night 255 commentary team, broadcast plans set: Michael Bisping calls action on home soil
The UFC visits London for the 16th time Saturday with UFC Fight Night 255, which goes down at The O2.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
UFC Fight Night London -- Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady: Predictions, fight card, start time, odds, live stream
Former UFC welterweight champion Edwards is on a mission to redeem himselfCBS Sports - 3d -
UFC London - all you need to know
Everything you need to know about Leon Edwards' fight at UFC London, including ringwalk, main card and coverage details.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
UFC results, highlights: Sean Brady submits Leon Edwards, becomes first fighter to finish former champ
Edwards must contend with consecutive losses for the first time in his 28-fight careerCBS Sports - 2d -
Underdog once more, Leon Edwards has a secret weapon at UFC London
Edwards enters the Octagon for the first time since losing the welterweight title looking to again prove himself as a contenderYahoo Sports - 4d -
Chris Duncan vs. Jordan Vucenic prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 255
Chris Duncan and. Jordan Vucenic 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 ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Kevin Holland vs. Gunnar Nelson prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 255
Kevin Holland and Gunnar Nelson 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: ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Jan Blachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg prediction, pick, start time for UFC Fight Night 255
Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg 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 ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
UFC Fight Night 255 video: Leon Edwards, Sean Brady make weight in London
LONDON – The main event for the UFC's return to London is official after the headliners made weight Friday. Ahead of UFC Fight Night 255 (ESPN+), which takes place Saturday at The O2 in London, ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC Des Moines middleweight bout
Bo Nickal will take on his first UFC ranked opponent. Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder preview Nickal (7-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) gets an opportunity to enter the UFC's middleweight rankings after scoring ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
UFC London predictions: Can Sean Brady change the guard vs. ex-champ Leon Edwards?
The UFC is back in London this week with a two former champions in fights at the top of the card. UFC Fight Night 255 (ESPN+) takes place Saturday at The O2 in London. Get pick results from our 11 ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
With contract wrapped, Marcin Tybura hopes he gets new deal after UFC London win over Mick Parkin
LONDON – Marcin Tybura beat Mick Parkin with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 255 at The O2 in London. Take a look inside the fight with Tybura, a nine-year ...Yahoo Sports - 23h -
I’m 63 and planning to retire. I watched in horror as the markets tanked. Will I have enough to get me to my 90s?
“Both my parents lived to 98.”MarketWatch - 5d -
UFC Fight Night 254: Official scorecards from Las Vegas
Check out the official scorecards from all 13 bouts at UFC Fight Night 254 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. (Gallery will be updated throughout the event.)Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
Nathaniel Wood thought he finally had an elusive finish vs. Morgan Charriere at UFC London
LONDON – Nathaniel Wood beat Morgan Charriere with a unanimous decision Saturday to open up the main card at UFC Fight Night 255 at The O2 in London. Take a look inside the fight with Wood, who won ...Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
March Madness picks: Odds, betting lines, expert predictions, watch times, schedule for NCAA tournament Sweet 16
Most of the top seeds advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Blue Jays expect to play Friday, have 'high hopes' for the spring
Mar. 25—JAMESTOWN — Coaching one team is more than enough for some people. Not Tim Ranum. Ranum, the head coach for the Jamestown High School boys tennis team and assistant coach for the Blue Jay ...Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Florida State getting into the mix with four-star DB Andre Clarke Jr.
After not visiting since his freshman year, the Seminoles are getting back into the mix with four-star Andre Clarke Jr.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Robin Pingeton lands at Wisconsin less than a month after resigning from Missouri
Wisconsin has hired Robin Pingeton as its women’s basketball coach three weeks after she finished her 15-season tenure at Missouri. Pingeton takes over for Marisa Moseley, who stepped down after ...Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Bills GM Brandon Beane: 'No one is more Buffalo than Josh Allen'
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane joined the Fitz and Whit Podcast recently and discussed quarterback Josh Allen's perfect fit in Buffalo.Yahoo Sports - 21m
More in Sports
-
Watkins' devastating injury shakes up women's NCAA tournament landscape
JuJu Watkins' torn ACL changes the 2025 women's title race, and the effects could linger into next season.ESPN - 7m -
Argentina vs. Brazil live stream, lineups: How to watch CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, prediction, odds, pick
The two sides meet in Buenos Aires for a historic matchup between CONMEBOL's bestCBS Sports - 16m -
Azzi Fudd returns to UConn: Huskies star opts to stay for fifth season, forgo 2025 WNBA Draft
Fudd will not join teammate Paige Bueckers in the WNBA Draft this year, opting instead to return to StorrsCBS Sports - 17m -
March Madness picks: Odds, betting lines, expert predictions, watch times, schedule for NCAA tournament Sweet 16
Most of the top seeds advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Blue Jays expect to play Friday, have 'high hopes' for the spring
Mar. 25—JAMESTOWN — Coaching one team is more than enough for some people. Not Tim Ranum. Ranum, the head coach for the Jamestown High School boys tennis team and assistant coach for the Blue Jay ...Yahoo Sports - 17m