Kron Gracie returns to the octagon after nearly 600 days, seeking victory while navigating a complex relationship with his father Rickson Gracie, who supports him from afar as he battles Parkinson’s disease and respects Kron’s desire for independence.
Kron Gracie is stepping back into the octagon after nearly 600 days. His dad, Rickson Gracie, still supports him, though from a distance.
Rickson, now 66 and battling Parkinson’s, shared with MMA Fighting that he hasn’t been involved in Kron’s training for quite some time. Even before his diagnosis, he sensed Kron wanted some space—perhaps to forge his own identity.
“I’m rooting for him,” Rickson mentioned. “Though we’re not as connected as I’d like, I respect his need for independence. He wants to be Kron Gracie, not just my son.”
This weekend at UFC 310 in Las Vegas, Kron faces Bryce Mitchell. He’s eager to bounce back from losses to Cub Swanson and Charles Jourdain. His last win was against Alex Caceres in 2019.
Kron was the first Gracie to win in the octagon since Royce in ’94. Responding to his father’s comments, he told Mike Heck, “I think that’s a bit of a lie, but I love my dad.”
The 36-year-old jiu-jitsu champ holds a 5-2 MMA record. “It’s been a minute since we talked,” he admitted, “but I miss him.”
In Rickson’s book “Comfort in Darkness,” he reflects on becoming more of an observer than a coach after Kron joined Nick and Nate Diaz. Though he admires Kron’s toughness, he doesn’t fully agree with the Diaz philosophy.
“I’m no longer witnessing firsthand,” Rickson confessed. “I’m unsure if he’ll fight with heart or strategy. I’ve always preferred efficiency over exertion.”
He believes the Diaz brothers’ approach of absorbing punishment isn’t ideal. “It should be more technical,” Rickson said. Without weight divisions, strategy was key for him—cold and rational over emotional exchanges.
Facing someone your size might tempt you into a brawl. But sometimes, it’s wiser to take a different path.