Molly Maria McCann Pearson, the former UFC standout, is set to face Sylwia Doligala in a professional boxing match today, Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. This bantamweight contest, scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, forms a significant part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Katie Taylor versus Flora Pili farewell fight.
McCann’s transition from mixed martial arts to professional boxing has captured considerable attention. This bout against the experienced Doligala marks her fifth professional boxing outing. It’s a pivotal moment as she aims to maintain her unbeaten record in the squared circle amidst a packed day of boxing action in the Irish capital.
Molly McCann vs Sylwia Doligala: A New Chapter
Molly Maria McCann Pearson, known affectionately as “Meatball Molly” during her UFC tenure, has rapidly established herself as a serious contender in professional boxing since her debut in September 2025. The 36-year-old Liverpudlian retired from MMA in March 2025 after a submission loss to Alexia Thainara, concluding her UFC career with a 7-7 record.
Her shift to boxing has been impressive, with McCann accumulating a professional record of 4 wins and no losses, including one stoppage victory. Her debut against Kate Radomska saw her secure a TKO in the sixth round, immediately signaling her intent. She’s followed that with points victories over Ebonie Cotton, Beata Dudek, and Ashleigh Johnson, demonstrating both durability and skill in her boxing future.
McCann’s Unbeaten Boxing Run
Since her September 2025 boxing debut, Molly Maria McCann Pearson has systematically built a pristine professional record. She navigated six rounds against Ebonie Cotton in November 2025, securing a 58-56 points decision. This was followed by another dominant 60-55 points win over Beata Dudek in February 2026.
Her most recent outing in April saw her go the full eight rounds against Ashleigh Johnson, winning by a points margin of 78-74. These performances underscore her commitment to the sport and her ability to adapt her dynamic fighting style from MMA to the nuances of professional boxing.
Sylwia Doligala Poses Experienced Challenge
Across the ring, Sylwia Doligala, a 31-year-old Polish-born and English-based boxer, brings a more extensive professional boxing background to Croke Park. Doligala boasts a confirmed record of 8 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, having made her professional debut back in 2019.
While Doligala has yet to secure a knockout victory in her career, her record reflects a fighter who has been tested over numerous rounds, accumulating 65 professional rounds boxed. Her experience against a variety of opponents will be a key factor as she looks to hand McCann her first professional boxing defeat.
Croke Park Hosts Major Boxing Event
The clash between Molly Maria McCann Pearson and Sylwia Doligala is part of a monumental boxing event taking place at the iconic Croke Park in Dublin. The night is headlined by Ireland’s own Katie Taylor in what is being billed as her farewell fight against Flora Pili.
This setting adds an extra layer of prestige and atmosphere to every bout on the card. For McCann, fighting on such a prominent stage, particularly given her family connection as Katie Taylor’s cousin, presents a unique opportunity to elevate her boxing profile significantly.
Full Undercard Lineup
Beyond the main event, the Croke Park card features a compelling array of matchups, starting early in the afternoon. Boxing fans can anticipate several exciting contests leading up to the main attractions, ensuring a full day of high-stakes action. For instance, an earlier bout will see Dave Allen and Thomas Carty face off.
The full undercard schedule includes:
- Dave Allen vs. Thomas Carty (estimated ringwalk 1:00 PM PST)
- Paddy Donovan vs. Tyrone McKenna (estimated ringwalk 12:00 PM PST)
- Taylor Bevan vs. Emmet Brennan (estimated ringwalk 11:00 AM PST)
- Joe McGrail vs. Matthew Boreland
- Paul Ryan vs. Paddy Gallagher
- Adam Olaniyan vs. Matej Hudak
- Bobbi Flood vs. Jack Swallow
Viewing Options for the Dublin Showdown
Boxing enthusiasts across the globe will have multiple ways to tune into the action from Croke Park. The event, including the Molly Maria McCann Pearson vs. Sylwia Doligala bout, will be broadcast live on DAZN in the United States, the UK, and most international markets.
DAZN offers different subscription packages, including an Ultimate option that covers all pay-per-view events and a Standard package that features over 185 fights annually, with PPV events available as add-ons. The DAZN application is widely accessible on Smart TVs, PCs, Apple and Android devices, Fire TV, and Roku, ensuring broad reach for fans.
For those in the UK, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC 5 Live are also providing coverage of Sylwia Doligala’s next fight against Molly Maria McCann Pearson. This multi-platform approach highlights the significant interest surrounding this card and its participants, allowing a vast audience to follow every punch and decision.
Tactical Matchup in the Bantamweight Division
The bantamweight clash promises an intriguing tactical battle between two orthodox fighters. Molly Maria McCann Pearson, known for her aggressive, high-pressure style in MMA, has effectively adapted this to boxing, emphasizing volume and relentless forward movement. Her ability to close distance and work the body has been a hallmark of her early boxing success.
Sylwia Doligala, with her greater professional boxing experience, is likely to employ a more measured approach, looking to counter McCann’s aggression and capitalize on any openings. Her record of decision wins suggests a fighter capable of managing rounds and adapting to her opponent’s rhythm. This makes it a classic boxer-puncher dynamic for fans to anticipate.
Weight Class Specifics
The bantamweight division is precisely defined, with fighters weighing in at 118 pounds, approximately 53.5 kg or 8.4 stone. Both Molly Maria McCann Pearson and Sylwia Doligala reportedly weighed in at 119½ pounds, suggesting they are in prime condition for this contest. The fight should proceed without any last-minute weight complications.
However, some sources also indicated super-bantamweight (122lb) or strawweight, showing some variability in pre-fight reporting, but bantamweight was the confirmed target. This adherence to the weight limit ensures a fair and competitive contest. The bantamweight class is known for its fast-paced action and technical exchanges, often leading to exciting fights that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The Path Ahead for Both Fighters
For Molly Maria McCann Pearson, a victory against Sylwia Doligala would not only extend her unbeaten boxing record but also solidify her transition from MMA to a legitimate boxing career.
It would provide crucial momentum as she looks to climb the ranks in a new sport, proving that her combat skills are transferable and highly competitive. This fight is about proving herself in the unforgiving boxing world, showing that she can become a top female boxing star.
Conversely, for Sylwia Doligala, defeating a recognizable name like McCann could significantly boost her profile within the bantamweight division. It represents an opportunity to derail a rising star and assert her own veteran status. The stakes are high for both athletes, with the outcome potentially dictating their immediate future trajectories in professional boxing.
The fight carries considerable weight for their respective careers. While McCann aims to build on her perfect boxing slate, Doligala seeks to leverage her experience to upset the former UFC fighter. The Croke Park atmosphere, combined with the significance of the event, sets the stage for what promises to be a memorable encounter in Dublin.
