Sara McMann Wants to ‘See What Else’
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Bellator’s newest featherweight, Sara McMann, is in no rush to leave the UFC, but seeing what she can do in the open market is too much for her to give up.
Speaking to reporters Friday night as a guest fighter at Bellator 292, McMann detailed her thoughts before she signed with Bellator in December.
“When you get old You miss retirement You think about your future and what you want Not just in your fighting career. But also in your life. I fought UFC for almost 10 years, so it was never about it. But I just wanted to see what else was out there,” McMann said.
“It’s been a long time since I thought you could fight for a promotion and get a good promotion as a woman. In the last 5 years, women have been given great opportunities. many and promoted many positions We’re really going out. And I just want to look at the scenery.”
So it’s not about leaving the UFC, but about finding the right opportunities for herself and her career.
“I always fight until I have one fight left in my contract. That’s pretty standard. (My manager) asked me if I wanted to fight with free agency before Karol Rosa got in the fight. I said yes. I think I should,” she said.
“I might stay I want to see if the grass is greener in some areas.”
McMann said she hasn’t considered any other promotions beyond UFC or Bellator, but a number of things, including those on the roster.
“I think about 135 UFC had the premiere split. I think about 145 Bellator had the best fighters. the deepest list and they have cyborgs So if I want to be a world champion I felt that was my way,” said McMann.
“If they have a 135 division and a good setter. I would obviously like it. I don’t regret not losing weight.”
Cyborg is currently a free agent. But she’s still one of the bigger names in the promotion. The question remains whether she will return to Bellator or move elsewhere.
“I mean, I’ve been here for 18 months. But I believe this might be her home. and she will be back Even if she did something else out of here I think she will come back to Bellator,” McMann said.
Her first matchup in Bellator will be against Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 294 in Hawaii on April 21.
“One of my requests to Bellator is that they put me on the very path I requested in the UFC. They have the right to do so,” she said.
“That got me involved right away. And that’s what I’ve wanted for years. It’s been a long time.”
Watch the rest of the fight with Sara McMann above.
