When thinking about the British regional MMA scene, the first promotion that usually comes to mind is Cage Warriors. However, the second most prominent organization in the British Isles, Full Contact Contender, is increasingly making a name for itself thanks to the quality of its prospects. Since 2023, FCC events have been broadcast on the prestigious UFC Fight Pass, providing a major platform for emerging talent. Some of the promotion’s standout fighters have also begun making their way toward the UFC, clear evidence of the steadily rising level of competition within FCC.
This Saturday, Full Contact presents FCC 45 live from Liverpool. Despite several late cancellations, the card remains filled with strong prospects, many of whom could realistically earn a shot at the Contender Series this year. Here are the names to watch.
Connor Walsh (6-0) – Flyweight
Originally scheduled for the main card, Connor Walsh was elevated to the main event after compatriot Marlon Jones’ bout fell through. At just 22 years old, Walsh is a true homegrown FCC product, having competed as an amateur in the promotion before fighting all of his professional bouts under its banner.
Nicknamed “The Fly Catcher,” he faces Brazil’s Chico Silva (8-1), a grappling specialist and regional champion. The bout takes place at 125 pounds for the FCC flyweight title, which Walsh has held since FCC 44.
Walsh is a well-rounded fighter. Primarily a striker with strong finishing instincts on the feet, he is also capable of wrestling and grappling effectively when needed. His flashy style and willingness to take risks make him fan-friendly, though he remains relatively green. FCC has carefully built him through manageable opposition. Fighting in front of his home crowd, he brings confidence and swagger that promoters love. Combine that with an exciting finishing style, and he could quickly land on the radar of major promotions.
Summer Onley (5-0) – Women’s Bantamweight
One of 2025’s breakout fighters, Summer Onley is quietly climbing the ladder at bantamweight with a perfect 5-0 record. She makes her first title defense on Saturday. The UFC has repeatedly shown interest in signing female fighters from the British Isles, and Onley may be the most realistic near-term candidate to make that jump. Read the full write-up on her here.
Liam McCracken (6-1) – Lightweight
Another Aspire product, Liam McCracken is a well-known name on the UK regional scene and remains an intriguing prospect. He finished his amateur career at 8-3 and competed at the IMMAF World Championships in 2019.
After turning pro, he started 3-0 before signing with Bellator MMA, where he dropped a razor-close bout to French prospect Asaël Adjoudj. Since then, he has compiled a 6-1 record against generally modest European competition. Between 2023 and 2025, McCracken was forced out of competition after being struck by a bus in a serious road accident, an event that highlighted his resilience.
He now faces veteran Nonato Junior (16-11-1), a seasoned opponent often matched against rising prospects. McCracken offers strong versatility between striking and grappling, with finishing ability both on the feet and on the ground. His excellent footwork helps him set up takedowns effectively. The next step for him will be facing higher-level opposition to demonstrate continued progression.
Jordan Rutherford (4-0) – Welterweight
Aspire Combat Sports Academy will be well represented on Saturday, including Scotland’s Jordan Rutherford. A multiple-time amateur champion across smaller UK promotions, he has firmly established himself within FCC since late 2024.
As a professional, he holds a perfect 4-0 record, all finishes under the FCC banner in 2025. At 31 years old, however, he sits on the older end of the prospect spectrum. While some observers are high on him, I remain unconvinced. He appears somewhat one-dimensional and limited in his overall MMA skill set. He is an entertaining finisher, but his ceiling seems relatively low, and he may ultimately remain a fixture of the UK regional circuit.