Molly McCann has opened up about how getting engaged has given her a new outlook and will help her UFC career.
2022 proved to be a rollercoaster for ‘Meatball’, earning global acclaim with stunning back-to-back wins, only to end with a submission defeat to rising prospect Erin Blanchfield. Prior to her last fight in November, the Liverpool-born fighter looked to be heading for a potential title fight but has admitted that she considered quitting MMA in the aftermath.
Overcoming the feelings of “grief” that accompanied her loss, McCann celebrated the New year by getting engaged to her partner, Ellis. As she prepares to return at UFC London in July, McCann has admitted how their relationship helps her combat the struggles that she faces throughout her career.
“She tightens the screws and steadies the ship when the storm comes,” Mccann told BT Sport. “Someone who’s not jealous of what I have to do and understands I have to do it.
“It took us a long time to get together because she knew she was going to have to put her life goals on hold until my career was finished, which I think is very admirable for someone to do because I don’t think I could. She just provides a safe space that’s home provides me with a love I’ve probably never received from anyone else really. It’s a very safe space to be.”
“Through the good days and the bad, she’s got me. Before the rocket took off for me and Patrick (Pimblett) and Next Gen, she was there,” she continued.
“She’s seen me going through the ups and the lows and she’s not waivered or faltered. She’s my rock and I think it’s important to be able to fall back on someone and have that support.”
McCann did not come out as gay until her mid-20s and has spoken extensively behind her decision. The Flyweight contender had been anxious about sharing news of their engagement but felt a sense of freedom after receiving plenty of love across social media.
“We knew we had to tell people and I think we were scared how the media was going to be about it,” McCann admitted. “I put a post up about it and within 15 minutes it was in every media publication and it was nothing but positivity.
“When you've had negative experiences about being gay you get a bit scared because you’re not trying to force it on people but it can still be a bit nerve-racking. I felt free then.”
