Adam Livingston Earns His UFC Contract
Long Island MMA fighter Adam “Bomb” Livingston defeated Hunter Smith on Dana White’s Contender Series and earned his place in the UFC.
Years of training, competition and perseverance led to the moment Adam and the entire LIMMA team had been working toward.
Read Adam’s Story
The Victory That Sent Adam to the UFC
Adam entered Dana White’s Contender Series for the second time knowing exactly what was at stake. Across from him was Hunter “Headshot” Smith, another accomplished lightweight prospect.
Livingston used his length and range effectively, repeatedly catching Smith with strikes and landing a spinning backfist-to-head-kick combination. Smith continued moving forward with power punches, turning the matchup into a competitive, back-and-forth 15-minute fight.
Adam continued mixing conventional attacks with the dynamic striking for which he has become known. After three rounds, the fight went to the judges.
The scorecards read 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28. Adam was then officially awarded a UFC contract, moving his professional record to 8-1.
Full results are available through UFC’s official Contender Series coverage .
Adam’s Road Back to the Contender Series
What makes Adam’s accomplishment particularly meaningful is that his path to the UFC was not perfect. He had to respond to adversity, continue improving and earn another opportunity.
First Contender Series Appearance
Adam entered his September 2025 Contender Series fight undefeated but suffered the first loss of his professional career against Tommy Gantt.
A Statement Victory
Adam returned at LFA 232 in May 2026 and earned a second-round knockout over Kyle Pufahl, helping him secure another opportunity.
UFC Contract Earned
Less than a year after his first appearance, Adam returned to the Contender Series and left the cage as a UFC fighter.
From the Regional Circuit to the UFC
Adam’s signing is the latest chapter in a fighter-development tradition Long Island MMA has been building since the gym was founded in 2009.
Adam progressed from amateur competition and a Flex Fight Series lightweight championship to the regional professional circuit, Legacy Fighting Alliance, Dana White’s Contender Series and now the UFC while representing the Long Island MMA team.
His progression shows what can happen when talent is combined with disciplined training, consistent development and the support of an experienced team.
Competition Preparation at LIMMA
- Coach-directed athlete progression
- Individualized training schedules
- Technical game planning
- Supervised sparring and live training
- Corner and competition support
- Weight management and recovery guidance
- Mental preparation and accountability
Ryan LaFlare Understands the Road
LIMMA owner and coach Ryan LaFlare followed his own path from the regional circuit to becoming Ring of Combat Welterweight Champion and competing in the UFC.
That firsthand experience contributes to a training environment that understands what professional competition demands technically, physically and mentally.
Meet the LIMMA Coaches“Adam earned every part of this opportunity. After his first Contender Series appearance, he came back more focused and determined to improve. He kept putting in the work, earned his second chance and made the most of it. Watching another Long Island MMA fighter reach the UFC is a proud moment for our entire team, and I believe Adam’s best performances are still ahead of him.”
Ryan LaFlare — UFC Veteran, LIMMA Owner and Coach
Part of Long Island MMA’s Fighter-Development History
Adam’s signing shows that the competitive experience inside LIMMA continues to influence the fighters developing at the gym today.
Homegrown Professional Fighters
LIMMA has developed more than 35 professional fighters it considers homegrown.
Founded on Long Island
The gym began with a mission to provide legitimate high-level MMA training under one roof.
Competition Experience
LIMMA athletes have reached the UFC, Bellator, PFL, Invicta FC and Dana White’s Contender Series.
You Don’t Have to Be a Fighter to Train at LIMMA
An active UFC fighter strengthens LIMMA’s competitive reputation, but Long Island MMA is not exclusively for professional athletes.
LIMMA welcomes complete beginners, recreational members, families and serious competitors in the same ego-free training environment.
Start With an Introduction
New members can begin with a free one-on-one introductory lesson and gym tour.
Build the Fundamentals
Beginner-focused classes emphasize movement, mechanics, technique and safety.
Train for Your Goals
Students can train for fitness, skill development, personal growth or competition.
Progress at the Right Pace
Sparring and advanced competition training remain supervised and coach-directed.
What’s Next for Adam “Bomb” Livingston?
With the Contender Series behind him, Adam now enters the next stage of his professional career.
The UFC lightweight division is one of the deepest and most competitive divisions in mixed martial arts. Adam will now have the opportunity to test himself against that competition on the sport’s biggest stage.
Whatever comes next, September 1, 2026 will remain an important night for Adam, his teammates and the entire Long Island MMA community.
Begin Your Training at Long Island MMA
Train in an environment built on professional experience and designed to welcome complete beginners. Visit LIMMA in West Babylon or Long Island City.