Hello everyone, welcome to the first fighter feature! Through these features, I hope to provide an opportunity to show who the fighters are beyond what people see on fight events or social media. I hope this can give various companies, promotions, or audience members a chance to get to know the fighters!
Check out this interview with Liam McCully, a BJJ competitor from Liverpool, United Kingdom!
Rahmon: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you? Where are you from?
Liam: I’m 31 and from Liverpool UK. I train out of Liverpool BJJ Academy under Terrence Yu and Prof. Juliano Rocha.
I’m a coach at Liverpool BJJA and I also run my own academy Halton BJJ. We have been open for just over 12 months now and we are doing really well!
I love to train and compete, I travel across the UK competing in all of the major championships and I train 5 times a week alongside working full time as Homeless Officer for my local councils rough sleeper initiative. I’m a Husband and a Father, who works very hard to achieve a balance of family time, training and coaching.
Why do you fight? Enjoyment. That’s the first and most important thing for me, I like to test myself mentally and physically and It’s an opportunity to show my level and skills.
Do you have any hobbies outside of fighting? If so, what are they?
I have no Hobbies outside of BJJ, This sport is my life, if I’m not training, I am coaching.
What is one piece of advice that has helped you in your fighting career and/or life?
Pressure is perceived, change your perception of the situation and use it as an opportunity.
Which brands would you want to work with?
I am open to any brands that share a love of Fighting, performance, training!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
As an athlete I see myself being a black belt and continuing to compete all over the UK.
As a coach, My aim is to see progress for my students, wether that is them competing, improving their skill set or seeing improvements in their health and well-being,
What do you want to achieve through training and fighting?
I have made the final of the National Masters and Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, my goal is to continue making finals of top level competitions, and continue to enjoy coaching and training. My goal is to medal at the European Championships.
Is there anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
Firstly I would like to give a shout out to my coach, Terrence Yu without him, I wouldn’t be doing any of this, I would like to acknowledge my Prof, Juliano Rocha, my team mates and my previous coaches.
I would also like to shout out everyone who trains BJJ without eachother we have nobody to compete against.
What is your favorite quote?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Do you have any upcoming fights?
Due to Covid there are no championships taking place in the UK at the moment, I am monitoring the announcements of competition in mainland Europe and may have to travel.
Once competition is open again, I will be going to the European Masters in Barcelona alongside competing in IBJJF and Abu Dhabi Grand Slams.