Molly McCann turned in a massive performance over Diana Belbita with her first career submission win at UFC Vegas 85.
“Meatball” Molly McCann looked to bounce back following a two-fight losing streak, in which she was submitted via armbar twice. She dropped down to 115 pounds for the first time in her career and looked for a fresh start at her new weight class.
Diana Belbita dealt with some mental adversity coming into this fight. The Canadian representing fighter questioned her future in the sport following a loss to Karolina Kowalkiewicz back in October. In the pre-fight media, Belbita stated that she may have left the sport if this rematch wasn’t offered to her. She gets her chance to avenge her 2019 loss to McCann and continue her MMA career.
“Meatball” came out looking to control the range and pace early. She cracked Belbita with a variety of combinations, switching between winging hooks and straight shots down the middle.
McCann came out to prove a point, as she picked Belbita up and slammed her down to the ground. She quickly worked into full mount where elbows reigned down and nearly finished the fight. With just a few seconds left in the round, McCann snatched up an armbar from mount. Cranking on the arm with all possible force, McCann snapped the arm of Belbita with just one second left in Round 1.
The first submission win of McCann’s 20-fight career came when she needed it most. After dropping her last two via armbar, she locks one up against her old foe and proves that a stone has been turned in her career.
She apologized to fans and friends post-fight about not fighting at 155 pounds for longer, and vows to make this weight class her new home.
UFC Fighters React to Molly McCann Grabbing First Submission Win
What’s next for Molly McCann following her big win? Does she get a top-15 opponent next? Let us know in the comments below!
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