Wayne Rooney showed his support to Molly McCann after her decision to retire from MMA
Wayne Rooney has shown his support for Molly McCann after she announced her retirement from MMA at UFC London on Saturday night.
The 34-year-old from Norris Green called time on her career in the octagon after suffering a first-round defeat to Alexia Thainara at the O2 Arena.
After McCann announced her decision to quit the sport, close friend and team-mate Paddy Pimblett penned a touching tribute to her on Instagram.
“Heartbreaking night last night watching my big sister retire. 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,” wrote Pimblett.
READ MORE: Everton send Molly McCann retirement message after emotional UFC announcementREAD MORE: I saw what UFC London fans did to Paddy Pimblett at the O2 Arena – it confirmed what’s next for him
“That’s till death do us part,”
“UKMMA women’s legend first English woman to get a win in the UFC and has one of the best knockouts in women’s UFC and combat sports history her legacy will live on forever.
“Emotional isn’t even the word for last night. Love u Molly and always will me big sis.”
In response to Pimblett’s post, McCann wrote: “Love you pad. Thank you for being you.”
Former Everton and England forward Rooney also paid homage to McCann as he commented a blue love heart and a hand-clapping emoji underneath Pimblett’s post.
On her decision to retire after Saturday’s defeat to Thainara, McCann said: “I just give the best account of myself.
“Being in there, I felt fine. I was amped.
“I was pumped, but to be outmanoeuvred in the first round, I’m not good enough to be in there. And that is okay. I’m not here to make up numbers, I’m here to win.
“If I’m not winning a fight like that, then I don’t deserve to wear the gloves, in my opinion. This is the best of the best in the world.
“It doesn’t matter what I’ve done in my past, and where I’ve taken this sport, you don’t live off your past performances.
“I’m not good enough right now. That is the top and the bottom of it.”
