Liverpool’s own Molly McCann returns to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 281 against number 12-ranked Erin Blanchfield.
Only a few British and Irish fighters have been fortunate to fight at the legendary MSG under UFC banners. Let’s recap some of those fighters ahead of “Meatball Molly’s” Madison Square Garden debut.
Conor McGregor
In 2016, the New York State Athletic Commission authorised martial arts. This meant that the UFC and other promotions could host events at the world-famous Madison Square Garden.
On November 12th 2016, Conor McGregor made history in New York. UFC 205 saw the Irishman attempt to become the first simultaneous UFC double champion. He took on the lightweight champ, Eddie Alvarez, who was entering his first title defence.
Despite some doubts about Conor’s move up in weight, he dominated the lightweight champion and finished him via TKO in the second round.
Michael Bisping
One year on from UFC 205, the company made its first return to MSG with a truly stacked card. UFC 217 saw Michael Bisping attempt to defend his middleweight title against the former welterweight champ and UFC legend Georges St-Pierre.
Bisping had been out of action for over a year, whilst St-Pierre has been ‘retired’ for four. However, the two went to war in front of an incredible New York crowd.
It took until the third round for the fight to end. After some crazy exchanges, it was St-Pierre who was able to lock in the rear-naked choke and win the fight. Bisping competed in his final career fight just a few weeks later against Kelvin Gastelum.
Mark Godbeer
A name that some people may not be as familiar with anymore. Mark Godbeer was with the UFC for four fights between 2016 and 2018. He was 1-1 heading into a huge test against Walt Harris in New York on the same card as fellow Brit Bisping.
Unfortunately, the fight was ended in the first round after Harris was disqualified for an illegal head-kick. Godbeer had just one more UFC fight, in which he was defeated via a round two submission. He announced his retirement just a few months later.
Since then, the 38-year-old has found success in the bare-knuckle boxing world. Holding a record of 3-1.
Jack Marshman
One of the first Welsh fighters to join the UFC, Jack Marshman, didn’t have the easiest of UFC runs. In his fifth fight with the promotion, he faced Karl Roberson on the main card of UFC 230 at MSG.
The card, which was headlined by heavyweights Daniel Cormier and Derrick Lewis, took place in November 2018. Marshman was ready to bounce back from a defeat in October of the previous year. However, it wasn’t to be for the Welshman who lost via a unanimous decision.
A few months later, he did secure his second UFC victory over fellow Welshman John Phillips. He would retire a year later after back-to-back defeats in Las Vegas.
Darren Till
The Scouser made his MSG debut at UFC 244 in his return to middleweight against Kelvin Gastelum. The card saw Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz battle for the symbolic BMF title.
Till entered the fight off the back of two defeats. Despite this, he was able to use his skill to outpoint Gastelum to a split-decision win. This would be Till’s most recent victory inside the Octagon.
The 29-year-old will have a chance to right his wrongs when he returns to action on December 10th at UFC 282 against Dricus Du Plessis.
Ian Garry
One of Ireland’s hottest prospects since McGregor, Ian Garry made his UFC debut on one of the biggest cards of the year. UFC 268 saw Colby Covington challenge Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title for a second time.
Garry entered his debut against Jordan Williams with an undefeated 7-0 record. Despite a shaky first round, the Irishman maximised the debut and finished Williams in the last second of that round.
The 24-year-old remains undefeated after two more UFC victories since that famous debut and is on track to become one of Ireland’s biggest stars.
Molly McCann UFC 281
“Meatball Molly” will make her Madison Square Garden debut this Saturday at UFC 281. She takes on the incredibly impressive 23-year-old, Erin Blanchfield.
McCann is looking to pick up her third victory of 2022 after two unbelievable knockouts in London earlier this year. However, she will be facing Blanchfield, who has remained undefeated since entering the UFC in 2021.
Don’t miss Molly’s return this Saturday at UFC 281. We will be covering the whole event right here. Stay tuned.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
