LAS VEGAS – Silvestre Sanchez had the opportunity to show off his complete game on Dana White's Contender Series, but a UFC contract may have not come his way without a late finish.
Sanchez (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earned a UFC contract by finishing Liam McCracken in the third round. A vicious left hook floored McCracken (8-2), making his entry into the promotion a sure thing. Without that punctuation mark in the closing round, UFC CEO Dana White said he may not have awarded a contract, despite Sanchez showing off stellar skills everywhere the fight went.
Luckily, the Mexico-born lightweight got the job done and will now have the opportunity to show more of what he can do under the bright lights of the UFC, and he hopes it means more fighters from his country will have an opportunity in the future.
"That was always a goal, to be here in the UFC since I started in mixed martial arts," Sanchez told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter during a post-fight news conference. "It's a dream come true, but also the start of hard work – and not just for myself, but also for Nayarit, because this opens the door for all the talent that's there. Maybe I've opened the door for more people from there to make a splash as well.
"... I think the UFC PI in Mexico is one of the most important hotbeds of talent in the world right now. The work that they're doing there is amazing because the level of sparring that I've had, the people on my team, the people that have worked with me, they've given me a tough challenge. You know if someone comes through Contender Series into the UFC, coming from the PI in Mexico City, you know it's someone who's ready for wars."

#people #mccracken

Silvestre Sanchez may have punched his way to a UFC deal.
At Dana White's Contender Series 90 on Tuesday, Mexico's Silvestre (10-1) proved the oddsmakers wrong as he finished England's Liam McCracken (8-2) with a big left hook to close their lightweight bout at Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The stoppage came at 2:44 of Round 3.
The fight was competitive with both men having their moments. Silvestre seemed a step ahead, and bloodied McCracken in Round 2. A looping punch floored McCracken midway through the final round, and a glancing hammerfist finished off the job.
The finish got a big reaction out of UFC CEO Dana White and CBO Hunter Campbell.
Sanchez, 24, carved out his reputation on the Mexican regional scene with standout performances for Lux Fight League. Tuesday's win was the fourth knockout of his pro career. He has five career submissions as well.

#sanchez #fight #Career

It's that time again!
Contender Series is back with 10 straight weeks of mixed martial arts (MMA) action, streaming at 7 p.m. ET TONIGHT (Tues., Sept. 1, 2026) on Paramount+.
In the main event, Welterweights collide as Patrick Rivera (13-4) fights Adam Darby (7-1). The co-main event sees a returning Middleweight as Brandon Holmes (6-1) takes on Modestino Rodrigues (7-1). In the "Featured" bout, Liam McCracken (8-1) tries to get a UFC contract just three years after getting hit by a bus as he takes on Silvestre Sanchez (9-1). Heavyweights hook 'em up as Charlie Cleveland (6-1) fights Gabriel Lorenco (7-1). Finally, Adam Livingston (7-1) gets a second shot at a UFC contract against Hunter Smith (6-1).
Patrick Rivera vs. Adam Darby —
Brandon Holmes vs. Modestino Rodrigues –
Liam McCraken vs. Silvestre Sanchez —
Charlie Cleveland vs. Gabriel Lorenco — Lorenco def. Cleveland via knockout (punches) Round 1, 2:02
Adam Livingston vs. Hunter Smith — Livingston def. Smith via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

#adam #lorenco #smith #patrick

The first thought Liam McCracken can remember having after he woke up was that he was glad to be alive.
On Tuesday, the Briton is set to compete for a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series in Las Vegas, but just three years ago he was fighting for his life.
While out on a run near his home in Liverpool, McCracken stepped out into the road without properly checking for oncoming vehicles, and was hit by a bus.
The 25-year-old from Liverpool says he didn't see the bus until the last moment, and was dragged underneath it for 18 metres (60ft) and seven seconds before it stopped.
A couple who saw the incident found McCracken under the bus unconscious and bleeding heavily. They thought he was dead.

#Liverpool #tuesday

Callum Simpson reclaimed the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight ***** les after earning a unanimous decision in his rematch with Troy Williamson.
The impressive Simpson avenged the only loss of his career, when Williamson upset the odds to stop him in the 10th round in December.
The English pair put on another thrilling contest in Leeds which the judges scored 116-112, 117-112 and 115-113 in Simpson's favour.
The 29-year-old, fighting under new trainer Rob McCracken, rocked Williamson with a big right hand in the third round.
But Williamson, 34, hung in and stung the challenger in the eighth round. Then, knowing he needed a knockout, he took the fight to Simpson in the final round.

#simpson #british #december

Bradford City have signed goalkeeper Jon McCracken on a three-year deal.
The 26-year-old turned down a new contract with Scottish Premiership side Dundee and will join the Bantams as a free agent on 1 July.
McCracken came through Norwich City's youth academy and made 39 appearances in all competitions for Dundee last season.
"Jon has all the attributes a top goalkeeper needs and we are delighted he has joined us," boss Graham Alexander told the club's website.
All done deals in June 2026