Liverpudlian fan favorite ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann returned to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 85 against Romanian standout Diana Belbita.
McCann entered the cage on Saturday night determined to snap a two-fight losing skid against Erin Blanchfield and Julia Stoliarenko. Standing in her way was Belbita — a fighter desperate for a win after dropping four of her last six. The bout also served as a rematch after ‘Meatball’ earned a decision victory over ‘The Warrior Princess’ in October 2019.
Round 1
McCann came out immediately looking to land big with a series of overhand rights. Belbita attempted to make the most of her six-inch reach advantage, but McCann continued to do a good job of getting inside and landing big. McCann has Belbita reacting to everything she’s doing which allowed McCann to land a nice double leg, dragging Belbita to the ground. Belbita bounced back up. McCann follows up with a well-placed spinning back-kick before tying Belbita up and clinching against the cage.
McCann unleashes her signature spinning Belbita and ‘The Warrior Princess’ appears to be compromised. McCann lands a knee up the middle and capitalizes with a slick takedown straight into full mount. With 30 seconds to go, ‘Meatball’ begins reigning down elbows from the top. Just as it appears that Belbita will escape the round, McCann snatches Belbita’s arm and locks in an arm bar with only a second left on the clock.
Official Result: Molly McCann def. Diana Belbita via submission (armbar) at 4:59 of Round 1.
Check Out Highlights From Molly McCann vs. Diana Belbita at UFC Vegas 85:
IN THE FINAL SECONDS OF ROUND ONE!
Molly McCann wins in her strawweight debut 💪 #UFCVegas85 pic.twitter.com/C5Rnz0ayRl
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 3, 2024
Molly McCann with the Armbar! 🥋 #UFCVegas85 https://t.co/ND6jwwpoYd
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) February 3, 2024
