Molly McCann: Who’s Next

Molly McCann: Who’s Next

Molly McCann started 2019 on the brink, her UFC career very much on the line. But showing typical ‘meatball’ resilience McCann has ended the year as a fighter very much on the rise.

At the start of 2019 McCann had many points to prove, including several to herself, but 3 wins have seen her survive, solidify and now she rides into 2020 with new objectives.

Whoever McCann fights next, there are 3 things which should be more or less guaranteed. McCann after recent excursions to America should be on the London card early next year, she should be on the main card and what should be a given is that she gets a ranked opponent.

McCann firmly believes she should already be ranked, her recent win over Diana Belbita was her 3rd win on the bounce, and while the latest UFC rankings don’t include McCann, another win should see her wish finally granted.

But who should face McCann next?

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, McCann mentioned a few possible options, including Maycee Barber. However, this is one fight which I believe is highly unlikely.

Barber is coming off a hugely impressive win over Gillian Robertson at UFC Boston, and looks set to meet a top ranked fighter if her preferred choice Paige VanZant fails to answer the call, which looks likely. With McCann currently not being ranked, Barber is certain to look elsewhere.

In the same interview, McCann also mentioned Antonina Shevchenko, a smart tactical name drop. Beating the older sister of the current champion, would certainly get you noticed.

Jessica Eye or Liz Carmouche the two recent challengers to Valentina Shevchenko might at this current time be out of reach for McCann, but for the Liverpool fighter both tick a lot of boxes. A win over either would catapult McCann right into the title conversation.

You could realistically make a case for most of the top 15 to square off against McCann, but for me one fighter makes the most sense.

McCann in my opinion, should be on the main card and her next fight should be in London. For McCann to feature on that main card she probably needs a high profile opponent. Outside of the champion one fighter has the biggest profile and that person is Paige VanZant.

VanZant recently tagged McCann on a social media post as her possible next opponent. McCann also mentioned VanZant in her interview with Helwani, and I can remember McCann mentioning VanZant when she was still in Cage Warriors. If the phone rings, McCann will be sure to pick up.

A win over VanZant significantly raises the profile of McCann and gets her that much sought after UFC ranking. McCann will also readily concede she isn’t yet the finished article, VanZant is the perfect next step on her journey.

Molly McCann vs Paige VanZant shouldn’t only be on the main card, I think it warrants being the co-main event, the perfect fight in so many ways.