Wayne Rooney celebrates with Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann in dressing room as Derby boss watches UFC London
UFC LONDON stars Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann were congratulated by Wayne Rooney after their stunning wins at the O2 Arena.
The proud Liverpudlians beat Kazula Vargas and Luana Carolina on the main card of the MMA promotion’s long-awaited return to the UK.
And they were congratulated backstage by the Derby County manager, who hugged the pair and said: “Well done.”
The Manchester United legend then revealed he immediately planned on attending the show after finding out they’d feature on the card.
He said: “I went when Crocop got fought years ago. [The] first time I went to a [UFC event].
“The last time I went to a UFC, I obviously saw what you were [both] doing and I thought, ‘I need to come.'”
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Evertonian McCann scored a viral knockout victory of Brazil’s Carolina in the third round of their flyweight showdown.
And she celebrated by leaping over the fence and parading a replica UFC belt when he returned to the octagon.
After her stunning victory, a jubilant McCann said after: “How do you like me now?”
Pimblett, meanwhile, submitted Mexican Vargas in the first round of their lightweight showdown.
An over-the-moon Pimblett said after the fight: “That was gangster,” Pimblett said. “That was sick.
“I said what was going to happen and it happened.
“I looked a bit chiseled to start, but I’m never in a boring fight, am I? I don’t talk s***. First-round finish and I got it.
“As soon as I got that little judo throw and put him on his back, I was like, ‘Yeah, it’s over now.’
“I was thinking of a flying triangle, but he kept holding my hand.
“Imagine how much it would have went off if I got that?
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“It was a sloppy takedown attempt from me, to be honest.
“Quite disappointed in my performances, but I got the first-round finish and that’s all that matters.”