Paddy Pimblett was left heartbroken following Molly McCann’s retirement at UFC London.
McCann was submitted by Alexia Thainara in the first round before laying her gloves on the canvas and calling time on her beloved sport.
Pimblett had a front row seat for the London bout and was spotted fighting back tears as McCann announced her retirement to British UFC legend Michael Bisping.
McCann, 34, has trained with Pimblett at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool for years during a time when the pair rose to UFC stardom.
They have since become close friends and Pimblett didn’t shy away from his emotions in a social media post following McCann’s defeat.
“Heartbreaking night last night watching my big sister retire,” Pimblett wrote on Sunday via Instagram.
“Been there with her from the start and will always be there. This may be the end of her fighting career, but it’s far from the end of mine and her friendship.
“That’s till death do us part. UK MMA women’s legend, first English woman to get a win in the UFC and combat sports history her legacy will live on forever.
“Emotional isn’t even the word for last night but even when I was crying the ‘Meatball’ will never fail to make me laugh…
“Love you Molly McCann and [you] always will [be] me big sis.”
McCann was hoping to pick up her second UFC victory in a row at London’s O2 Arena against Thainara.
However, the Brazilian dragged her to the canvas early and submitted her with 18 seconds left in the first round via a rear naked choke.
‘Meatball’ was choked up giving a post-fight interview as she struggled to contain her emotions when discussing what is next to come in her career.
“What is the point in prolonging this? I get to go and party after this and celebrate a great career,” she told TNT Sports.
“I’m so whole, I’m so full and I’m so thankful for it and I’m not doubting my decision.
“Whether I’d like to box, whether I’d like to coach, whether I’d like to do what you’re doing [become a pundit] who knows.
“But these three letters, the UFC, they deserve the best and it wasn’t enough.
“I’ve lived my life beyond my wildest dreams, I really have.”
McCann made her UFC debut in 2018 when she was submitted by Gillisn Robertson in London, before embarking on a three-fight win streak.
She then traded two wins and losses before famously scoring consecutive spinning elbow knockouts, which both came in London.
The 34-year-old’s defeat to Thainara was her fourth in five fights as she bows out of pro MMA with a solid 14-8 record.
Thainara, meanwhile, was making her UFC debut after an impressive performance in Dana White‘s Contender Series last September.
The 29-year-old started her MMA journey through a school project and worked on construction sites with her father before pursuing her fighting dream.
She is on an incredible 10-fight win streak having lost just once in her pro career to current UFC fighter Bruna Brasil in November 2019.
