The co-main event of the UFC Fight Night 224 at the O2 Arena in London had flyweight fighters Molly McCann and Julija Stoliarenko competing against each other.
McCann surely looked the fan favorite as she received a grand ovation from the crowd on her entry while her opponent Stoliarenko was booed. However, much to the audience’s surprise, the latter secured a finish against McCann in under 2 minutes by submission.
The Lithuanian mixed martial artist pulled off an armbar to perfection that made Molly tap. However, a fan theory suggested that Molly should have not let the fight move to the ground. Additionally, some believed that she should have showcased a better takedown defense as she clearly knew that her opponent was an armbar specialist.
Debunking this, Stoliarenko said in the post-fight press conference that Molly McCann did her part to avoid the takedown as long as she could. However, Julija just grabbed her and changed her plan a little to get the better of her opponent.
“I just grabbed it. Oh she tried, she tried to [get back on her feet]… For takedown [defense] she actually stood pretty good posture. So I just changed little bit plan, how to take her down, and I did my job.” –said Julija Stoliarenko.
This was the Lithuanian fighter’s comeback fight after a first round loss by TKO against Chelsea Chandler in October last year. A dominant display inside the Octagon was what she needed in this crucial return fight and she managed to get exactly that.
Did Julija Stoliarenko hold on to the armbar on Molly McCann longer than she should have?
Julija Stoliarenko looked quite aggressive from the first second and Molly McCann, who relies mostly on her punching, also reverted back with some hits. Stoliarenko ducked one such punch and grabbed her opponent to eventually took her down. McCann tried to defend it but her opponent was just too strong.
Julijja then started to move towards a rear-naked choke and was then trying to transition into a mount. Molly did her best to get out of her opponent’s hold but an armbar was what followed. This was enough for the English flyweight to tap.
Julija Stoliarenko makes quick work of Molly McCann, forcing a submission by armbar in under 2 minutes.#UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/y6kkDLtHaF
— Betting Top 10 – Canada (@Bettingtop10C) July 22, 2023
However, some fans felt like Stoliarenko held the dangerous armbar longer than required. This could have caused a serious injury to her opponent. Molly also looked in serious pain after the fight ended and this left the fans concerned.
Some were also of the opinion that the Lithuanian stopped when the referee told her to stop and this is also what the rules say.
Molly McCann is in agony after that nasty, nasty armbar.
Hopefully there isn’t too much damage to it and she makes a speedy recovery. #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/h65ZW6dBeq
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) July 22, 2023
This was Molly McCann’s second consecutive loss and what has concerned her fans is that she has not improved on her weakness. Even in her last fight, she lost to Erin Blanchfield by submission due to her poor ground game and grappling skills.
McCann, who was once considered an exciting prospect for the women’s flyweight division, has lacked consistency. We will have to wait to see what’s next for the English fighter.