UFC’s Molly McCann: We are modern-day gladiators

Mixed martial artist Molly McCann is returning to London on Saturday to face up again Lithuanian fighter Julika Stoliarenko as part of UFC Fight Night.

The 33-year-old flyweight has a 3-2 record in the UFC but is coming off the back of a loss in November last year.

Ahead of Saturday’s fight, we sat down with her to talk Big Brother, Bali and books…

How excited are you about UFC returning to London and your fight with Julija Stoliarenko on Saturday?

I’ve not won for a year and the last time I won was in London for UFC Fight Night. I’m coming off a loss [to Erin Blanchfield in November], so I just can’t wait to get in there and hear the fans. There is nothing quite like the O2 when those fans start shouting. It’s just amazing.

Who is the one person you would like to meet, dead or alive?

John Lennon. I just feel he was a man before his time. He helped change so much, in society and in popular culture. He is a hero to our country.

Describe yourself in three words

Loud, empathetic, angry.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To teleport. I’d want to go to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and have a nice pint. That’s where I want to be right now. I always love a good Guinness.

What is your worst habit?

Sniffing – I smell everything. It’s really weird. When someone walks past, I’ll sniff, I smell people. It’s quite strange.

If you could switch lives with anyone in the world for a day, who would it be?

Jeremy Corbyn. I’d like to see the world through his eyes, having integrity for his whole life. He’s just been the one unwavering person, always fighting for the greater good, for the minority.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

Probably watching Everton beat Liverpool – that was a long time ago. I go to every Everton home game but don’t watch many away games.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Losing my last fight. I hope someone found it funny.

What is your favourite WhatsApp group?

It’s called Real Vegas. It’s my three coaches, myself and Paddy Pimblett. We just terrorise everyone.

What is your most prized possession?

My dad’s watch. When he passed away I got to keep his watch and I wear it on occasions where I wish he was – fight days, when I opened my restaurant, Polpetta, when I proposed to my fiancee … The big milestones in my life.

What song gets you on the dance floor?

Any of them. I absolutely love shaking my hips around the room. Zombie by The Cranberries is my karaoke song. If I’m in an Irish bar when there is live music, it only takes me a few drinks to take the microphone.

What is your dream three-course meal and dinner guests?

I’d have pil pil prawns to start and my main would be carbonara – I love pasta. Dessert would be something like cookie dough. I’d invite Gordon Ramsay or Gino D’Acampo because we’d end up having a laugh. Me and Gino would definitely have a laugh – we wouldn’t be able to understand each other.

If you could go on any reality TV show, which would it be?

I always wanted to go on Big Brother. Everyone has said I should go on I’m A Celebrity but I can’t handle people snoring. On Big Brother, at least I could go and sleep on the couch if someone was snoring in the bedroom. I couldn’t sleep in the jungle.

Do you prefer a night in or a night out?

No question – a night out.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

You won’t be understood by everyone so don’t worry about their opinions. I don’t even remember who told me, I just remember having a conversation about, ‘Why am I always getting trolled?’ and someone saying, ‘It’s none of your business what other people think of you, don’t waste your time worrying if X from Stoke says something on Instagram’.

What is the best concert you have been to?

Jamie Webster on Liverpool Pier.

What is the most ridiculous thing you have ever bought?

A pair of polarised sunglasses that have cameras and can take pictures. I just got them.

If you had a time machine, would you go back or to the future?

I’d like to go to the past. I’d like to go to ancient Rome and see the gladiators. We’re modern-day gladiators so it would be good to see that. I also love Italian food.

What has been your favourite holiday?

I went to Bali in Indonesia with my mum and it is really cool.

Do you have any hidden talents or a party trick?

I can drink a pint of Guinness in one go. My spinning elbow knockout [from her wins over Luana Carolina and Hannah Goldy last year] might be my party trick.

What is your biggest non-sporting achievement?

Getting my degree or opening a business or publishing my book, Be True To You.

What is the best book you have ever read?

It’s so me, it’s mental: Do the F-ing Work: Lowbrow advice for high-level creativity. It’s a really good book.

What is your favourite TV show?

The Simpsons. I watch it every night before I go to sleep. I just think when I was a kid it used to soothe me and I’d always have it on. So now I just put it on the telly.

If you were not a sports person, what would you be doing?

I’d be in politics or a teacher.

If you were a politician, what is the first thing you would do?

The right for all kids to have a free school meal.

• On July 22, Molly McCann will be fighting at the O2 London for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ASPINALL vs. TYBURA. To book your tickets, please visit axs.com