Former UFC women’s bantamweight title challenger Sara McMann will have a new home moving forward.
McMann (13-6), who faced Ronda Rousey at UFC 170 in 2014 in an attempt to claim the promotion’s bantamweight title, has signed an exclusive deal with Bellator MMA, where she is expected to debut sometime in 2023. When she does, she’ll be competing at 145lbs, as Bellator does not currently offer a women’s bantamweight division.
Ariel Helwani was first to report the news of McMann’s signing, with the fighter herself later going in-depth to explain why she opted to move on from the UFC.
“After a lot of consideration and negotiation, I’ve decided to fight for Bellator in the featherweight division,” McMann said in a statement posted to social media. “Before my fight with Karol Rosa, Jennifer Goldstein (my amazing manager) asked if I wanted to test free agency or remain with the UFC no matter what. I told her that while I have enjoyed my career fighting for the UFC, I am at a different point in life than when I initially signed with them. “
“I’m at a very fortunate time in Women’s MMA where other promotions will offer very enticing contracts if you are a top ranked fighter. It’s not easy to leave some of the great people I’ve met or the excellent bantamweight fighters I’ve faced. Bellator made an offer that I simply couldn’t refuse,” the 42-year old continued. “I hope to keep all of my friends in the UFC while making new friends in Bellator. The fighting world is a tight knit community and I respect all of the athletes who put it on the line. My desire to be the world champion at featherweight is very strong because I truly believe Bellator has the premier fighters in the world at that weight class. Thank you to every one of my fans, you all are legit fight fans (or wrestlers) and I can’t wait to showcase my skills without a tough weight cut.”
“Some fans have asked about retirement. The honest answer is that I just really like fighting and don’t want to stop yet. I have a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and I really look forward to the day I can do counseling full time. But not yet…”
McMann won a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, then transitioned to mixed martial arts beginning in 2011. Starting her career at 7-0, the decorated wrestler fought in Titan FC, ProElite, and Invicta FC before arriving in the UFC in 2013. While McMann would come up short in her title bit against “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey, her career longevity has since eclipsed the Hall of Famer.
Most recently, McMann picked up a decision win against Karol Rosa last March. She had been expected to face Aspen Ladd over the summer, only for Ladd to miss weight, scrapping the fight. McMann, who was paid her show money for the bout, subsequently entered free agency.
