Liam McCracken, a British mixed martial artist from Liverpool, is set to compete in the Dana White's Contender Series in Las Vegas, where standout performances can earn a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The 25-year-old fighter is making his return to competition nearly three years after a near-fatal bus accident that left him with multiple severe injuries. McCracken was hit by a bus while running and dragged under it for 60 feet (18 meters) before the vehicle stopped. A couple who found him under the bus believed him to be dead, but passersby, including a paramedic, helped save his life before an ambulance arrived. The accident left McCracken with 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 in his knee, a torn meniscus, and other injuries. He feared he might never walk or fight again, but after a long and difficult recovery, he is now preparing to face Mexican lightweight Silvestre Sanchez in a crucial fight. During his treatment, McCracken's first thought was being glad to be alive, and he also asked about his one-year-old daughter, who had just learned to walk, while lying on the ground. The bus driver was unable to stop the vehicle immediately due to the suspension system, which could have crushed McCracken further. A pedestrian had to help steer the bus away from him before emergency help could reach him. He lost a significant amount of blood and required multiple blood transfusions. At the time of the accident, McCracken had a strong record, having won five of his six professional fights and was seen as a potential future UFC star. However, doctors initially considered inserting a metal rod in his back, which would have ended his career. After further scans, it was determined that the rod was unnecessary. McCracken's recovery was long and filled with setbacks. He had to undergo knee surgery and restart his recovery process, and he admits to making mistakes, like returning to training too soon. He made a comeback nearly two years after the accident, defeating Brazil's Jhon Bryan via rear-naked choke, but he admits his performance was not up to his usual standard. He described the fight as an out-of-body experience. The accident changed McCracken's perspective on life, and the phrase "you could get hit by a bus tomorrow" now has a new meaning for him. He now views MMA as a way to provide financial security for his family, which includes two children. A strong performance at the Contender Series could be a major step toward securing a UFC contract. McCracken feels mentally prepared for the fight and no longer suffers from impostor syndrome, which he experienced a couple of years ago.