Kron Gracie is preparing for a comeback in the Victory Fighting League after parting ways with the UFC, aiming to showcase his skills and potentially reopen the door for a UFC return by avoiding his previous reliance on pulling guard.
Kron Gracie thinks there’s still a chance for a UFC comeback, but he’s got some work to do.
After losing to Bryce Mitchell at UFC 310 last December, the UFC decided not to re-sign Gracie. He ended his stint with a 1-3 record, losing his last three fights. The match with Mitchell had its moments but lacked excitement until Mitchell’s slam and elbows knocked Gracie out in Round 3.
Now, Gracie’s gearing up for his MMA return at the Victory Fighting League’s main event on Dec. 12 in New York. Reflecting on his fight with Mitchell in Vegas, he admits, “I was fighting a top guy.”
Gracie knew it would be tough, but he felt confident. “I made a mistake and paid for it,” he says. “Sometimes you zig when you should’ve zagged.”
From a technical standpoint, he acknowledges errors. But that’s the fight game—dangerous and unpredictable. Despite the setback, he was eager to jump back in, though it took longer than expected.
Gracie’s official split from the UFC wasn’t confirmed until June, leaving him in limbo for over six months. Facing tough opponents like Mitchell, Alex Caceres, Cub Swanson, and Charles Jourdain, he was surprised by the UFC’s decision to move on.
Fighting a top-15 guy, Gracie expected another chance. But his performance and fan disappointment cost him. “The UFC is a business,” he says. “They want me to win back fans.”
Gracie has decided to abandon his guard-pulling strategy. “If pulling guard is a detriment, then f*ck it, I won’t pull guard ever again.”
Facing Tom Picciano for the VFL featherweight title, Gracie aims to prove himself. Picciano, a seasoned fighter, has won his last two bouts.
Gracie believes a UFC return is possible if he meets their expectations. “If I was the UFC, I’d say, ‘Go get some fights and see what happens.'”
For now, he’s focused on showing his fans he’s a top fighter. “I don’t need to pull guard. I could beat somebody’s ass. That’s the plan.”