Alexia Thainara Shocks Molly McCann with First-Round Submission at UFC London

On March 22, 2025, the O2 Arena in London witnessed a stunning upset as Brazilian newcomer Alexia Thainara made a sensational UFC debut, submitting local favorite Molly McCann in the opening round of their strawweight clash at UFC Fight Night 255. The fight, part of a stacked card headlined by Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady, ended with Thainara forcing McCann to tap to a rear-naked choke at 4:32 of Round 1, capping a dominant performance that announced her arrival in the UFC’s 115-pound division. For McCann, the loss proved to be a career-defining moment, as she announced her retirement from mixed martial arts in an emotional post-fight speech, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved fighters.

The Build-Up: A Hometown Hero Faces a Rising Star

The matchup carried significant weight for both fighters. Molly “Meatball” McCann (14-8, 7-7 UFC), a 34-year-old Liverpudlian, entered the bout desperate to halt a skid that saw her lose three of her last four fights, including a unanimous decision defeat to Bruna Brasil at UFC 304 in July 2024. A staple of UFC’s UK events, McCann’s fan-friendly style—highlighted by back-to-back spinning elbow knockouts in 2022—had endeared her to the British faithful. Originally slated to face Istela Nunes, McCann instead drew Thainara after Nunes withdrew due to visa issues, setting up a clash of experience against untapped potential.

Alexia “Burguesinha” Thainara (12-1, 1-0 UFC), a 29-year-old from Varginha, Brazil, stepped into the Octagon on just eight days’ notice, fresh off a nine-fight win streak that included a unanimous decision victory over Rose Conceicao on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2024. That performance earned her a UFC contract, and her short-notice debut against McCann offered a golden opportunity to make an immediate impact. Despite the hostile environment and McCann’s veteran status, Thainara entered as a -190 betting favorite, reflecting confidence in her grappling prowess and athleticism.

The O2 crowd, packed with 16,935 fans (per early reports), erupted as McCann made her walkout, her intensity palpable. Thainara, unfazed, danced her way to the cage, exuding confidence. Posts on X from @ufc hyped the bout as a “strawweight showdown,” amplifying the anticipation for what would become a defining night.

The Fight: Thainara’s Grappling Overwhelms McCann

From the opening bell, Thainara wasted no time showcasing her game plan. The fighters exchanged tentative strikes—McCann landing a stiff jab, Thainara countering with a low kick—before the Brazilian shot for a takedown just 70 seconds in. McCann, whose takedown defense had been a weak point in prior losses, couldn’t resist as Thainara dragged her to the mat with a slick double-leg.

Once on the ground, Thainara’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt credentials shone through. She swiftly transitioned to McCann’s guard, weathering a few elbows from the bottom as the crowd chanted “Molly! Molly!” to rally their fighter. But McCann’s resistance faltered as Thainara advanced to full mount, unloading a flurry of punches that forced McCann to turn over. Seizing the moment, Thainara slipped her arm under McCann’s chin, locking in a rear-naked choke. At 4:32 of Round 1, McCann tapped out, her shoulders slumping as the O2 fell into a stunned silence.

The official result: Alexia Thainara defeats Molly McCann via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:32. Thainara’s performance was near-flawless—70 seconds to secure the takedown, under four minutes to finish—earning her a “Performance of the Night” bonus alongside headliner Sean Brady and two others.

Key Moments and Performances

Thainara’s Grappling Mastery: With six career submissions prior to this fight, Thainara added a seventh in spectacular fashion. Her ability to take McCann down and dominate positionally highlighted a stylistic mismatch, as noted by X user @MMA_RAX: “This fight was never going to go well for McCann if it hit the floor.”
McCann’s Struggles: McCann landed just 8 of 18 significant strikes (per unofficial stats) and couldn’t fend off Thainara’s takedown, a recurring Achilles’ heel exposed in losses to Erin Blanchfield and Julija Stoliarenko. Her 39% career takedown defense (per UFC stats) proved costly again.
The Emotional Finish: As Thainara celebrated, McCann removed her gloves—a universal sign of retirement—while teammate Paddy Pimblett watched tearfully from cageside. The moment crystallized the end of an era for British MMA.

McCann’s Retirement: A Bittersweet Farewell

In her post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, an emotional McCann confirmed her retirement, ending a 12-year career that began in 2013. “This sport has given me everything,” she said, voice breaking. “The UFC deserves more than that performance on a week’s notice. I came, I saw, I didn’t conquer the belt. My time is done now. The Brits that are left—it’s your time, girls. I knocked on the door and opened it.”

McCann’s UFC journey, starting with a debut loss in 2018, saw her rise to prominence with a 7-7 record, four post-fight bonuses, and a Cage Warriors flyweight title. Her spinning elbow KOs against Hannah Goldy and Luana Carolina remain iconic, but recent setbacks—culminating in this submission loss—prompted her exit at 34. Fans on X, like @ufcontnt, paid tribute: “A fighter who always gave her all. Thank you for the memories @MeatballMolly.”

Thainara’s Star-Making Moment

For Thainara, the win was a statement. “This is Alexia delivery,” she quipped through an interpreter, grinning ear-to-ear. “The UFC has the best matchmakers—they called, I came, and I delivered.” Her short-notice triumph over a seasoned opponent showcased her readiness for the big stage. Training out of Ribas Family gym alongside UFC standout Amanda Ribas, Thainara’s grappling pedigree—five submissions in a row between 2021 and 2023—proved too much for McCann.

At 12-1, Thainara’s lone loss remains a 2019 guillotine choke to Bruna Brasil, avenged indirectly by beating a veteran like McCann. Her debut has fans and analysts buzzing, with @Cagesidepress calling her “a very good addition to the 115-pound division.”

Thainara’s stock skyrocketed with this win, positioning her for a potential top-15 matchup—perhaps against Virna Jandiroba or Tatiana Suarez—as she aims to climb the strawweight ranks. Her aggressive, submission-heavy style promises excitement in a division ruled by champion Zhang Weili.

McCann’s retirement closes a chapter for British MMA, but her influence endures. She hinted at staying involved in the sport, possibly as a coach or pundit, leaving the door open for a new legacy. For now, she exits with a 14-8 record and a fanbase that will long remember her heart and hustle.

A Night of Shocks at UFC London

The McCann-Thainara bout was one of several highlights at UFC Fight Night 255. Sean Brady’s submission of Leon Edwards in the main event further shook the welterweight division, while prelim finishes from Caolán Loughran and Kauê Fernandes added to the card’s drama. But it was Thainara’s debut—and McCann’s farewell—that stole the emotional spotlight on March 22, 2025, proving once again that in the UFC, anything can happen inside the Octagon.