Molly McCann reveals Conor McGregor's texted her advice about dealing with fame

Molly McCann has opened up about some incredible advice she received from none other than Conor McGregor.

Not about delivering a perfectly-timed left hand to the chops, but rather how to deal with the pitfalls of fame.

And, arguably, there's no one better to discuss this topic than the Irishman himself.

Local Liverpool legend McCann has been on a tear since joining the UFC, but she admits being catapulted into superstardom hasn't all been smooth sailing.

So, she sought the advice of MMA megastar McGregor after the two shared a quiet pint or two in his pub.

“I messaged him going, ‘How do you handle this? Because you can blow up and then you can blow up. I just couldn’t quite get my head around how some people are with you',” McCann told reporters at UFC 281 media day.

“(McGregor) was just like, ‘When you’re in the gym, it’s just the gym. Don’t let no one else in. Keep everyone outside. Always remember it’s just fighting. You’re a cage warrior. That’s what we are. We’re Cage Warriors champions.’

“He said some mad things about, ‘Valentina is going to get a Mac spanking’ and all these things. It was so poetic, and it was so lovely. My partner, Ellis, printed it off and put it in a sign at MSG. It’s in my front room. So every day, if I’m struggling or I’m feeling good, I don’t get ahead of myself, get a big fat head, and walk around with ego. It’s to stay grounded and realise that I’m just here to win. The rest of it, the external factors mean f**k all.”

Alamy

Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, which includes two devastating spinning elbow knockouts, McCann has cemented herself as a certified UFC flyweight title contender.

Outside the octagon, she's adored with big-name celebs like The Rock and even Drake interacting with her.

Her fanbase has certainly exploded and the woman known by many as 'Meatball' is doing her best to take it all in.

“It’s been absolutely disgusting, to be honest,” McCann added.

“Post-fight, I’ll enjoy an ale, enjoy doing the media with everyone. Then, when you get home, it absolutely kicks you in the face, because you’re not normal any more. I can’t just walk a little Frank and Patty down the streets anymore. So what I’ve had to do is leave a private life, because my life is not private anymore. That’s been something that not everyone has had to deal with. When we start fighting, I think we start to just win a belt. We don’t start for fame. We don’t really start for the money. It’s about the prestige and the honour of winning that belt.

“I’m very fortunate. I suppose that people want to know and that I’m that approachable. But it’s weighed heavy. I’ve just learned how to handle it now. Do you know like me, I never want to not give everyone every a bit of time I’ve got. I want to make everyone feel special. But when you’ve got hundreds of people a day that can drain your energy. I’ve learned to lay boundaries, be respectful to the people when they want to speak to me. But if I ain’t got time, it’s not the end of the world if I say no. That’s been the hardest thing, but I’m learning.”

Topics: Australia, MMA, UFC, Conor McGregor

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry