McCrory was born and raised in the rural community of Ithaca, New York along with his twin sister. Growing up, McCrory was often bullied for being a self-proclaimed "nerd, " which later helped fuel his motivation for a career in mixed martial arts. McCrory attended and graduated from Ithaca High School in 2004 where he competed in wrestling and was a 2002 New York National Team Cadet for the Greco-Roman category.[1] In May 2008, McCrory graduated from the State University of New York College at Cortland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology.[2]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
McCrory began fighting mixed martial arts in 2006. He became one of the youngest NABC Champions at the age of 19. He also made an appearance in the BET showIron Ring as a contestant[3] in the Middleweight category. McCrory held an undefeated professional record of 8-0 before being signed by the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In May 2007, McCrory signed a contract with the UFC.[4]
McCrory stated his intentions to move into the Middleweight division. He was looking to gain a spot in the second season of Bellator's Middleweight Tournament, but his management's offer was declined.[6] McCrory subsequently retired from MMA citing that it was taking too much time away from his family. Four years after his retirement, however, McCrory signed with Binns Management in 2013 and subsequently announced his return to mixed martial arts.[7]
McCrory made his MMA return on September 5, 2014 when he faced Brennan Ward at Bellator 123.[8] He won via spectacular knockout 21 seconds into the first round.
McCrory faced Jason Butcher at Bellator 134 on February 27, 2015.[9] He won the fight via submission in the first round. In August 2015, McCrory was given his release from Bellator to re-sign with the UFC.
Return to UFC
Following two impressive wins in Bellator MMA, McCrory announced that he had re-signed with the UFC.[10]
In his UFC return, McCrory faced Josh Samman on December 19, 2015 at UFC on Fox 17.[11] He won the back-and-forth fight via submission in the third round.[12]
McCrory faced Nate Marquardt on October 1, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 96.[15] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.[16] Following this loss, he was released from the UFC.[17]
Personal life
McCrory married his wife, Haley, in 2010. Haley is the morning news anchor for WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY.[18] The couple has a daughter, Keelin.
