Liverpool prospect, Liam McCracken has big plans for 2023 in his professional MMA career following the announcement of his Bellator debut.

McCracken is currently 3-0 in his pro career consisting of two submission victories and one ground-and-pound stoppage – all coming inside the first round. This impressive start has earned him a chance to compete for one of MMA’s biggest promotions, Bellator.

On February 25, the featherweight prospect will make his Bellator debut inside the 3 Arena in Dublin, Ireland against Asael Adjoudj, who is currently on a four-fight win streak (4-1).

Fighting out of SBG Ireland, both Adjoudj and UFC legend Conor McGregor share the same head coach, John Kavanagh. This means that McCracken faces the challenge of performing against one of the best coaches in the world, something he will use as extra motivation as he promises to deliver a statement victory in enemy territory.

“2023 is going to be massive for me and I’m ready to start taking my career to the next level,” he said.

Liam McCracken competing at FCC 31

McCracken is certainly heading in the right direction to make it to the top. At just 21, it is rare that an opportunity of this magnitude presents itself. However, he will be eager to take it with both hands and block out the pressure that comes with competing on such a big stage.

Liverpool is getting more recognition than ever for producing top talent since the arrival of Paddy Pimblett in the UFC. Nevertheless, being just another good fighter from the city isn’t what motivates McCracken. He wants to go down as the best to ever come from Liverpool.

“Liverpool is one of if not the best cities in the UK for producing top-level fighters. I want to outdo everyone else that’s got to the top so far and go on to win titles at the highest level.

“The talent that is there now I honestly can’t see ever being championship-level fighters, but I know I’ve got the skill and attitude to go all the way.”

The opportunity of a lifetime for McCracken

Being at such a young age in the fight game and getting pushed so quickly can go one of two ways. You either carry on winning and take the world by storm or it is too much too soon. The latter results in you being out of your depth and taking unnecessary damage which could hinder your longevity in the sport. Either way, McCracken’s confidence couldn’t be any higher right now.

He said: “I think my level of grappling is always a lot higher than most people I fight. It’s a good base and served me well so far. My striking is now just as good if not better than my grappling so I’m rounding out well.

“I like to watch and learn from certain things fighters do and take from that but I don’t try to model myself off anyone. It is important to be your own fighter. I’m not trying to be like anyone the goal is to be better than everyone.”

 

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