Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at the latest in the line of Gracie fighters as Kron Gracie makes his UFC debut against Alex “Bruce Leroy” Caceres at UFC on ESPN 1 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Kron Gracie
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Age: 30
Height: 5’9”
Reach:
Weight Class: Featherweight
Camp: Gracie Humaita
Career Record: 4-0
Key Wins: Tatsuya Kawajiri
Key Losses: None
Background
The Brazilian born grappling specialist is the latest in the line of Gracie lineage to make his way into a UFC Octagon. The son of the legendary Rickson Gracie, Kron enters the UFC at 4-0 coming off an excellent win over Japanese veteran Tatsuya Kawajiri.
Strengths
- Former ADCC World Champion in Jiu Jitsu
- Decent power in his left hand
- Focuses a lot of his striking to the body of his opponent
Weaknesses
- Limited MMA experience
- Hasn’t fought in MMA bout since December 2016
- Uncomfortable in the stand up
- Standup footwork is poor
- Too willing to pull guard
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: D
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: D
Athleticism / Speed: D
Footwork: D-
Chin: C
Offensive Wrestling: D+
Takedown Defense: D
Submissions: A+
Conditioning: C-
Intangibles: C
Overall Grade: C
Matchup with Alex Caceres
Alex Caceres welcomes Kron Gracie to the UFC at the UFC on ESPN 1 card in Phoenix. While Alex Caceres will have the advantage in the striking exchanges, there’s little doubt in my mind that this fight quickly hits the ground. Gracie will look to earn his own takedown or pull guard and end up on the mat with Caceres. Bruce Leroy tends to find himself in scramble situations when he fights and that will be the case against Gracie. Caceres will be too willing to actively engage with Gracie on the mat and that will prove to be his undoing. Gracie is just too good of a submission grappler to be given time and opportunity on the mat. Look for the Brazilian to find opportunity on the mat and earn his first UFC victory by submission. Props are not available at time of publication on this fight, but Gracie by submission should be considered once it comes out as it’s by far the most likely outcome of this bout.
UFC Ceiling
Kron Gracie is one of the best submission grapplers to enter the UFC in several years. Compared to other submissions specialists, he does have a bit more to offer in the striking exchanges. Ultimately though, his ability to shine in the UFC will come down to his ability to dominate on the mat. I expect him to have some success, but question whether he can have success as he approaches fights with the division’s top 15.
Fight Film
Check out Kron Gracie in some of his most recent fights:
Kron Gracie vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri
Kron Gracie vs. Hideo Tokoro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCulhsr9zzA
