Molly McCann opened up about her struggles dealing with fame and the advice Conor McGregor gave her on handling it.
Fan favorite McCann is set to mark her return to action against Erin Blanchfield at UFC 281 this Saturday, Nov. 12 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. Coming off back-to-back vicious spinning backfist knockout wins, McCann goes into the bout looking to extend her three-fight winning run with an opportunity to move up the rankings after recently entering in at the 15th spot.
Molly McCann opens up about the pressures of being famous
During Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference, Molly McCann opened up about skyrocketing her celebrity and getting sponsorship deals with Barstool Sports.
“It’s been absolutely disgusting to be honest. Post-fight, I’ll enjoy an ale, I’ll enjoy doing the media with everyone. Then when you get home it absolutely kicks it in the face because you’re not normal anymore. I can’t just walk down the street or go to football. What I’ve had to do is grieve private life because my life is not private anymore.”
UFC 281 will mark the promotion’s return to MSG after a three-year hiatus. McCann explained that she does not feel any added pressure because of the location and is solely focused on fighting.
“I don’t feel any pressure of where we are. It would always be the pressure of the fight, it’s the same as every fight’s the same. You get them little butterflies, moments of doubt. I feel like with every fight recently, I’m getting a bit more professional. I’m getting more well-versed with how to handle the adversities before you get in and whilst you are in there. I’m just ready to do the job.
“I don’t need to sit with telling you how I’m going to do it and the bravado of what I used to do when I was brand new in the UFC and a lot younger. I’ve worked so hard. I’m battle tested. I’m ready to just absolutely tear the roof off the gaffe.”
McCann shared the advice Conor McGregor gave her on handling fame
Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor achieved unparalleled heights in the sport. The Irish icon was the first true mixed martial artist to break into the mainstream and get big-money deals. Despite his relative lack of competition in the last six years, ‘The Notorious’ remains the most popular fighter of all time.
‘Meatball’ talked about the advice she got from McGregor on staying true to yourself while handling the pressures of fame.
“I messaged him going, ‘how do you handle this?’ Because you can blow up and then you can blow up. I just couldn’t quite get me head around how sometimes people are with ya. He was just like, ‘when you’re in the gym, it’s just the gym. Don’t let no one else in. Keep everyone outside. Always remember it’s just fighting. You’re a cage warrior.’ That’s what we are, cage warriors champions. He said some mad things about Valentina’s going to get a mad smack and all this. It was so poetic and it was so lovely.
“But my partner Ellis printed it off and put it in a sign and MSG. It’s in my room so everyday, if i’m struggling or feeling good, I don’t need to get ahead of myself. Get a big fat head and walk around with ego. It’s to stay grounded and realize I’m just there to win. The rest of it, the external factors mean f*ck all.”
With nine outings under the UFC banner so far, Molly McCann believes she has matured as an athlete and feels more capable in her journey ahead of potentially becoming a champion. Meanwhile, McGregor is busy working on the production for his Hollywood debut in the upcoming remake of the 1989 classic film Road House.
