From Being Unable to Walk to UFC Shot - Liam McCracken

Liam McCracken’s story is one that needs to be heard. Ahead of his Contender Series shot this week, McCracken will be fully focused on the job in hand. Going in there, getting the job done and getting that UFC contract.

His focus hasn’t always been on MMA, however. In September 2023, McCracken was hit by a bus while out training and was dragged 18m. The young Liverpudlian broke his neck, legs, ribs, pelvis and nose. He was left unable to walk as a result of his injuries.

At the time, his daughter had just turned one year old, and he said that his biggest motivation was to be able to hold her again. 

Career to Date

Early Standout

Liam McCracken made a name for himself on the regional circuit as an amateur standout. Although he began his career at 1-2, he quickly progressed to 6-2 within two years. This run included a win over Kurtis Campbell, a current UFC featherweight. 

Turning professional in 2022, McCracken raced to 3-0 in under a year, none of which went past the third round.

This run earned him a one-fight Bellator contract, and he debuted at Bellator 291 in Dublin, Ireland. The event was headlined by current UFC star Yaroslav Amosov, who defended his belt against Logan Storley.

McCracken was well beaten (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) and suffered his first professional loss.

He wouldn’t let it demotivate him, however. He returned three months later and knocked his opponent, Tommy Hawthorn, out in just 41 seconds. He would then return two months later, again picking up a round one TKO victory. It should be noted that this one was against a fighter with a 17-39 record at the time.

Liam McCracken is one of the UK’s next big MMA stars.

He won his fourth pro fight this weekend in 40 seconds. He’s only 21🤯 pic.twitter.com/gpcTYtKbHN

— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) May 23, 2023

He would then suffer the bus crash and be forced to take two years out of the octagon. 

Returning in September 2025, two years after his accident, he knocked out Jhon Bryan in the first round. He was scheduled to compete on Ilia Topuria’s WOW promotion; however, that one didn’t work out, and he returned to score a 39-second finish over Nonato Junior at FCC 45.

His final fight came on June 6th at FCC 46, where he won the FCC lightweight title as a result of a doctor stoppage.

Contender Series Chance

Liam McCracken will get a chance at a UFC contract as he takes on Mexican, Silvestre Sanchez. The latter has a record of 9-1, securing eight finishes.  

Elsewhere on Tuesday’s card, 6-1 heavyweight, Charlie Cleveland takes on Gabriel Lourenco. Adam Livingston takes on Hunter Smith in an all-American affair.

Brandon Holmes takes on Modestino Rodrigues in the co-main event and Ireland’s Adam Darby takes on Patrick Rivera in a welterweight clash.