Kron Gracie is set to return to the UFC octagon after a 19-month hiatus, facing Bryce Mitchell at UFC 310, aiming to break a two-fight losing streak amid controversy over his main card placement, and expressing determination to revert to his old fighting style.
Kron Gracie is stepping back into the octagon after a long 19-month break. He’s set to face Bryce Mitchell at UFC 310, surprising many with both the opponent and his spot on the main card.
Gracie’s eager to end a two-fight losing streak against a top-15 featherweight in Las Vegas. His last fight was a tough loss to Charles Jourdain at UFC 288 in March 2023. At 36, Gracie admits it wasn’t his best performance, sparking debate over his main card placement instead of fights like Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling, which could lead to a title contender by 2025.
Gracie says he didn’t choose his bout’s placement but has words for fans upset about it. “It’s funny,” he told MMA Fighting, noting that those complaining might not even pay for the event. “If anything, [Sterling vs. Evloev is] a free fight for the fans.”
He doesn’t mind where he’s placed on the card, saying, “The sooner, the better.” He just wants to get it over with and move on with life.
In his UFC debut, Gracie submitted Alex Caceres in 2019 but lost to Cub Swanson later that year before facing Jourdain after a three-year break.
Now up against Mitchell, Gracie thinks having such a big-name opponent makes his main card spot more understandable. “The UFC knows what they’re doing,” he commented, emphasizing it’s all business.
Reflecting on his loss to Jourdain, Gracie shared on Instagram why he didn’t throw punches during the fight. He mentioned bad advice and trying to please the jiu-jitsu community too close to fight time.
Gracie wanted to return sooner but said “life got in the way” without giving details. He’s determined to go back to his old fighting style that brought him success.
“I learned that lesson right away,” he said about making decisions for himself. He’s ready to show off his skills after over a year away from the octagon.
Mitchell is also returning after a brutal knockout loss to Josh Emmett in December 2023. Gracie sees this as another reminder of how dangerous fighting can be and is prepared for a challenging match.
“This is the fight business,” Gracie stated, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of MMA. Growing up around fighters, he understands its seriousness and isn’t always cheerful about it.
Facing Mitchell, a top-15 grappler, offers a different challenge than previous striking opponents. Gracie anticipates an exciting matchup and believes tougher opponents make for better fights.
Despite criticizing his own performance against Jourdain, Gracie felt Jourdain avoided engaging fully. He hopes for a more willing opponent in Mitchell for a competitive fight.