UFC star Molly McCann will boycott England's World Cup campaign amid concerns over host nation Qatar's human rights record.
The flyweight fighter takes on Erin Blanchfield at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night on the prelims of UFC 281, and is laser-focused on her first pay-per-view outing. But asked by reporters at the pre-fight media day if "football's coming home", she vowed not to watch the tournament due to having issues with where it is being held.
McCann played football in her teens before taking on fighting full time, first in boxing and then MMA where she is now the No.15-ranked flyweight in the world. She's an Everton fan who frequents Goodison Park, but she has made it clear that she won't be watching the Three Lions this year as they look to build on their Euros success.
"I'm not bothered about that," she responded when a reporter asked her about England's chances. "I'm not feeling the Qatar vibes and all the human rights that haven't gone down there. I won't even be watching it."
McCann is an openly gay woman, coming out six years ago. However, under Article 296 of the current Penal Code in Qatar, homosexuality is outlawed. The FA have insisted that the laws will be suspended before the tournament, but there are still lingering concerns about the country's treatment of members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Do you agree with Molly McCann's stance on the World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
The Scouse fighter hasn't had much time to think about football as she prepares to take on Blanchfield, who is a major step-up after a three-fight win streak with two vicious finishes in her last couple of fights. She's given up social media amid an intensive training camp where she has been working with Paddy Pimblett as well as top women's fighters including Leah McCourt and Shauna Bannon.
"I feel like a kid at Christmas," she said of the fight. "I'm just that excited to get in and experience the venue, the arena, the fans, the Irish, the English, even the Americans. I'm here for it all. I've got a lot of people coming and I know a lot of people here as well who are going to come. We're going to bring a European vibe to MSG."
