Fighting out of Liverpool, Liam McCracken is one of the most highly touted prospects on the rise in the UK MMA scene. After making his professional MMA debut in January last year, McCracken finished the year 3-0, finishing all fights in the first round.
The 21-year-old looks to bring the violence to the big stage as he makes his Bellator debut this weekend in Dublin. In a recent interview with Combat Sports UK, McCracken stated:
Liam McCracken on His Upcoming Bellator debut
“Mad excited. It’s such a big opportunity, especially at my age. I’ve been dreaming of a night like this since I was a kid. Everyone knows Bellator, even like my family members, that don’t have a clue about fighting. When they say what show are you fighting on, usually they don’t know, but when I’m like Bellator, even my Nan (knows Bellator).”
McCracken comes in as the youngest fighter on the card this weekend. As the sport evolves, we see more young fighters get their shot on the big stage, but so many come up short because of the pressure involved. Here’s what Liam had to say about the big moment.
“I’m always nervous if I’m fighting. Ill be honest with you. I’m not going to lie about it, I could be fighting in a sports hall, and I’ll be nervous. It’s the fight that makes me worry, and it’s not about the opponent. It’s about myself. I’m my own worst critic, so I’m just scared of not being happy with my own performance, but I’m a competitor, I always show up, and I always get the job done.”
McCracken faces Asaël Adjoudj (4-1) on Saturday. The French fighter is currently on a four-win streak, with three of them coming by finish. He has also previously fought twice on Bellator, so he is no stranger to the promotion. He is no doubt the most experienced opponent Liam has faced in his career so far.
Liam Speaks on His Opponent
“This guy, he’s dangerous, he’s a serious striker, he’s been grappling at one of the best gyms in the world now for a good few years as well, so I’m expecting a complete fighter. In his last fight, he’s coming off a big knockout, so he’s going to be confident, same as me. My confidence is through the roof at the minute. I’m sure his is (as well). This is like two big prospects going at it, it’s not one of the biggest fights on the card now, but in a few years, I think people will look back and be like, how have them two fought on that? But same as always, he’s just another body.”
“I know the kid I’m fighting is on a multi-fight deal. I’m not stupid. I know they’re bringing me in here hoping that he gets to put me on his highlight real, but I’m not letting that happen. There’s no way.
What the Future Holds for McCracken
“The way I’m going now, I’m really starting to get faith in my skill set. I really do believe in myself now. In the next five years, I will 100% be in the UFC. I think I could have a title in the next five years as well. Then in the next ten years, hopefully, retired, living in Ibiza, or somewhere nice.”
However, Liam doesn’t see the UFC as the only option.
“The day my little girl was born, my main goal changed. It’s not all about me no more. Everything I do is for her now. So obviously, my number one priority is to provide for her. That’s why it’s nice fighting on Bellator. From what I’m used to getting paid, I seen the contract, and I was like, ‘yeah, nice that’.
“PFL… Bellator… UFC is the one I would really, really want the most, but at the same time, you’ve got to do what’s right for you, but hopefully, things work out the right way, the way I’ve planned it since I was a kid, and I will be UFC champion.”
Full Interview with Liam McCracken
Featured image credits to Graham Finney Photography
