MMA star Molly McCann gave a shoutout to Angel Reese for the surge in popularity in women’s sports. [Photo: Reese IG, McCann IG]

MMA fighter Molly McCann has hailed Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese for helping grow the popularity of women’s sports.

Reese and fellow rookie Caitlin Clark have taken the WNBA by storm. Their rivalry has increased the spotlight on women’s basketball.

McCann, who will be part of UFC 304 this weekend in England, was asked about the growth of women’s sports. The Liverpool native promptly said:

“Angel Reese! Let’s go!”

McCann added that women’s sports in general are starting to get more noticed than ever.

“A couple of years ago when we had that mad night in London, I won and then Katie Taylor beat Amanda Serrano and then England won the Euros. Then March Madness happened, and then Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, women in sports are starting to get the respect they deserve. It’s good to see.”

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s popularity surged after teaming up to beat Team USA

The All-Star Game this year in the WNBA wasn’t the usual East versus West battle. It featured Team USA and the league selection led by Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and Arike Ogunbowale.

Reese made history by accomplishing the first double-double by a rookie in an All-Star Game. Clark wasn’t efficient and finished with only four points, but added 10 assists and two steals. Ogunbowale had an electric performance as Team WNBA sailed to an emphatic 117-109 win over the Paris-bound group.

Neither Clark nor Reese was chosen to represent Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, even without them, the Americans remain heavy favorites to win another gold medal.

Reese went to London to watch Team USA’s exhibition game against Germany at the jam-packed O2 Arena. Although she did not play, fans cheered for her every time she appeared on the big screen. The “Chi Barbie” will not compete in the Olympics, but her impact on the game has been undeniable.