LONDON – Molly McCann (8-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) was pushed to the limit but ultimately became the first English woman to pick up a UFC win, taking a hard-fought decision over Priscila Cachoeira (8-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC).
The women’s flyweight bout was part of the preliminary card of today’s UFC on ESPN+ 5 event at The O2 in London. It streamed on ESPN+.
McCann moved forward quickly to start and teased an early takedown, but Cachoeira was ready for the rush and stood firm in the pocket, firing heavy punches. McCann was happy to wing back in a firefight, but Cachoeira was definitely getting the best of the exchanges. McCann did her best to stay mobile, and she eventually shot forward for a takedown, though Cachoeira immediately swept to the top. Undaunted, McCann switched to an armbar, seemingly torquing the limb but not getting the tap. After rolling to the top, McCann eventually had to bail on the hold but finished the frame in mount.
McCann was aggressive to start the second, though Cachoeira again was able to counter with heavy shots. McCann was happy to trade, leading to some entertaining exchanges, with both women showing the wear of the strikes. McCann used impressive head movement to push her way into the pocket, but she took her share of damage, as well. Cachoeira seemed to tire a bit as the round progressed, but she still threw everything at full speed. The two women embraced at the close of an entertaining frame.
The action resumed immediately in the third, with both women digging deep and trading toe-to-toe. Cachoeira was the one moving forward, but McCann was always looking to counter as she retreated. Cachoeira was successful with a few knees inside, as well, but McCann refused to back down. With her left eye badly swollen and quickly closing, McCann was checked by the physician but was allowed to carry on. The restart was awkward, with Cachoeira firing a knee as they appeared to be touching gloves. The action resumed again briefly after a referee warning, and the final seconds were pure madness before McCann broke away, flipped off Cachoeira and then jumped the fence to celebrate with her team. Afterward, she was awarded a decision win, 29-28 on all three cards.
“Everyone knows I’ve been through hell and back to get here,” McCann said after the win. “I didn’t give up at any point. This is a message to anyone who feels like they can’t achieve something: Never give up because you can always achieve your dream.”
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN+ 5 results include:
- Molly McCann def. Priscila Cachoeira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-
- Mike Grundy def. Nad Narimani via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:42
For complete coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 5, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
