Dragged 60ft under a bus, now fighting for UFC contract: How did Liam McCracken survive?

Liam McCracken, a 25-year-old Briton, is preparing to face Mexican lightweight Silvestre Sanchez in an upcoming fight on Dana White’s Contender Series. However, this is not the first time McCracken faced a life-threatening situation. Three years ago, he was involved in a horrific bus accident near his home in Liverpool. McCracken stepped into the road without checking for oncoming traffic and was dragged under the vehicle for around 18 meters, or 60 feet, for a duration of seven seconds. It took seven seconds for the bus to stop.

Upon being found unconscious and severely injured by passers-by, McCracken was believed to be dead. He suffered a multitude of severe injuries, including fractures to his back (four times), slipped discs in his neck, three broken ribs, a broken pelvis, a broken nose, a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a torn meniscus, and numerous other wounds.

The situation was especially frightening because McCracken remained unconscious beneath the burning bus while its engine caused additional harm. The driver was unable to shut off the engine due to the risk of the suspension dropping and crushing him.

McCracken's recovery lasted nearly two years, and doctors even contemplated the possibility of inserting a metal rod in his back, which could have ended his MMA career. Thankfully, subsequent X-rays revealed that the rod was not necessary. With his health restored, McCracken has returned to professional fighting and is now just one victory away from potentially securing a UFC contract.

The experience of overcoming his traumatic accident has made him more grateful for life's simple pleasures. McCracken, who has two children, hopes that MMA will provide financial stability for his family.