Diana Belbita Contemplates Retirement Before UFC Rematch with Molly McCann

02 February 2024

UFC fighter Diana Belbita contemplated retirement after her unanimous decision loss to Karolina Kowalkiewicz in October. The defeat had her on the brink of stepping away from the sport. However, a rematch opportunity against Molly McCann at UFC Fight Night 235 has reignited her fighting spirit.

The initial fight between Belbita and McCann took place in the women’s flyweight division, but the sequel is scheduled for the strawweight division. Despite considering herself "done" with MMA, Belbita expressed enthusiasm about the rematch and the chance to showcase her growth as a fighter over the past four-plus years.

Belbita shared her thoughts during Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 235 media day, stating, “When UFC texted me and I saw that it’s Molly McCann’s name on that, I was like, ‘Hell yeah. I have to do it again.’ First of all, I have to do it for myself because I want to see where I stand right now."

Acknowledging her previous fight against McCann, Belbita emphasized the significant changes in her career and personal life since their first encounter. She highlighted that she was not adequately prepared for the initial fight and expressed her eagerness to demonstrate her current skill level.

The loss to Kowalkiewicz did not discourage Belbita, who considered it a valuable experience for her career. She stated, “What’s frustrating in that defeat? I don’t feel like that was a defeat. That was a great fight, so I don’t see the problem. Of course, I learned a lot after that fight. Facing a fighter like Karolina was great for me and my experience and my career.”

Despite agreeing to the McCann rematch, Belbita made it clear that there is no definite commitment to her MMA future beyond this fight. The 27-year-old fighter is making short-term decisions and hinted that this could potentially be her final fight, regardless of the outcome.

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“I’m not going to force myself to do something if I don’t feel like doing it. For now, I like it, but let’s see how it’s going to end and let’s see how I feel. Don’t be surprised if I’m going to win and still be like, ‘I don’t feel like doing it.’ And I’m not going to do it if I don’t feel like doing it. I have so many options in life. I can do so many things. I’m not going to be stuck in something if I’m not in it 100 percent."