Molly McCann ran into a true rising star of UFC on Saturday evening after the Liverpudlian suffered a first round defeat to American Erin Blanchfield in New York.
Meatball Molly had been considered the underdog going into the contest, and so it proved, but even she could not have expected her opponent to prevail in such an emphatic manner, forcing a stoppage in the opening round.
Blanchfield was on the front foot from the off and quickly got the takedown before subjecting McCann to a number of big blows. After transitioning into the crucifix position, she then expertly locked into the kimura, forcing her opponent to submit.
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Despite her impressive victory and fighting in her own back yard, the American was actually booed by some quarters of the crowd on her entrance, with the congregation preferring the popular McCann. The Scouser received rapturous applause as UFC fans chanted her name.
Meatball Molly had arrived in the Big Apple on the back of three straight wins, including victories against Luana Carolina and Hannah Goldy. But her build-up of momentum was smashed back down here as Blanchfield ruthlessly picked her apart in the opening round. Once trapped in the kimura lock, commentator Joe Rogan begged McCann to tap.
Despite his pleas, the Merseysider hung on for another two minutes as she sought to find a way out of the desperate situation, but ultimately she was left with no option but to tap out.
Blanchfield's stunning win has lifted her into the UFC top 10 and she could now be closing in on a title shot of her own. But in typically resilient fashion, McCann has already stated that she will look to compete at the London card early next year.
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