Liam McCracken's journey from a near-fatal bus accident to competing for a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series is nothing short of miraculous. Just three years ago, while running near his home in Liverpool, McCracken was struck by a bus, leading to a harrowing experience that left him with multiple serious injuries.

After stepping into the road without checking for traffic, McCracken was dragged under the bus for 18 metres before it came to a stop. Witnesses initially feared he was dead until a paramedic on the scene administered life-saving assistance, preventing him from bleeding out before reaching the hospital.

The accident resulted in:

• Four fractures in his back
• Two slipped discs in his neck
• Three broken ribs
• A broken pelvis
• A broken nose
• A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament
• A torn meniscus

Despite the overwhelming odds, McCracken expressed gratitude for being alive, focusing on his young daughter during the initial moments after regaining consciousness. He humorously noted how she began walking around the same time he was sidelined by his injuries.

McCracken faced a long rehabilitation, with doctors initially suggesting he might need a metal rod in his back, which would end his fighting career. Fortunately, further examinations revealed he could avoid such drastic measures.

After nearly two years of recovery, multiple surgeries, and intensive physiotherapy, McCracken made his return to the octagon, winning against Jhon Bryan by rear-naked choke. However, he admitted that his performance was less than stellar due to lingering distractions from his past.

As he prepares to face Silvestre Sanchez, McCracken's story serves as a testament to resilience and determination, proving that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to remarkable comebacks.